Description

This Chipotle Vinaigrette is a bold and smoky-sweet salad dressing inspired by Chipotle’s famous honey vinaigrette. Made quickly with chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, lime juice, and spices, it adds a vibrant smoky flavor to salads, burrito bowls, roasted vegetables, and more. Perfect for meal prep and packed with flavor, this dressing combines the heat and smokiness of chipotles with the zest of lime and a touch of honey sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing Ingredients

2/3 cup olive oil (can substitute avocado oil or vegetable oil)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 chipotle pepper in adobo plus 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce (adjust to desired spice level)
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Add all dressing ingredients—olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper—into a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fully combined and the chipotles are completely broken down for a smooth vinaigrette consistency.
Alternative Mixing: If you don’t have a blender, finely mince the garlic and chipotle, then place all ingredients in a lidded jar and shake vigorously to combine thoroughly.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and add more chipotle or spices if a stronger smoky or spicy flavor is desired. Blend or shake again if additional ingredients are added.
Serve or Store: Pour over salads, burrito bowls, or roasted veggies immediately, or transfer to a mason jar and refrigerate. The flavors improve after a few hours in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 7-9 days.

Notes

Oil Choice: Traditional Chipotle uses rice bran oil, but olive or avocado oil provides extra flavor and nutritional benefits. Other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil can also be used.
Chipotle in Adobo Uses: Use leftover chipotle peppers for dishes like shrimp fajitas, white bean chili, chicken tinga, or chipotle pasta. Freeze extras on a sheet pan then store in freezer up to 6 months.
Storage Tips: Store dressing in a glass, wide-mouth mason jar to avoid staining from the peppers’ pigment. Keep refrigerated and consume within 7-9 days.
Make Ahead: Flavors intensify after a few hours, making this an excellent make-ahead dressing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Keywords: chipotle vinaigrette, chipotle salad dressing, smoky salad dressing, honey vinaigrette, easy salad dressing, Mexican dressing, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce