Dinner

Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

This chipotle vinaigrette is a smoky, sweet dressing inspired by Chipotle’s famous honey vinaigrette. It’s quick to make with chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, lime, and spices, perfect for salads, burrito bowls, or roasted vegetables.

A clear glass jar filled with a thick, orange-brown sauce that has a smooth texture with small specks of spices visible throughout. The jar sits on a wooden board with two small wedges of lime in front of it, showing bright green and pale yellow colors. In the blurred background, there is a white bowl with a honey dipper on the left and a clear bowl with a dark red sauce on the right. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely combined and the chipotles are broken down. Alternatively, mince the garlic and shake all ingredients vigorously in a lidded jar.
Step 3: Taste and adjust spices or add more chipotle for a smokier, spicier flavor. Blend again if needed.
Step 4: Serve over salad or store in the fridge for later use.

Tips & Variations

Use rice bran, canola, or vegetable oil if you prefer a milder oil flavor than olive or avocado oil.
Freeze leftover chipotle peppers on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
This dressing doubles as a flavorful marinade for chicken or vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover dressing in an airtight glass container or mason jar to avoid staining from the chipotle peppers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 7-9 days. Shake or stir before using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a thick sauce that is deep orange with some darker orange-red spots throughout, sitting on a brown wooden board. In front of the jar is a small lime wedge, light green and yellow in color, resting on the board. In the background on the white marbled surface, there is a white bowl blurred with a honey dipper inside it and another glass bowl partially visible, containing a dark reddish sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this vinaigrette without a blender?

Yes, mince the garlic finely and combine all ingredients in a lidded jar. Shake vigorously until well mixed and the chipotle breaks down.

How spicy is this dressing?

The level of heat depends on how much chipotle in adobo you add. Start with one pepper and 1 teaspoon of sauce and adjust to your taste for more or less spice.