Description

This chipotle vinaigrette recipe is a bold, smoky-sweet dressing inspired by Chipotle’s famous honey vinaigrette. Made quickly in just 5 minutes using chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, lime juice, and a blend of spices, it’s perfect for enhancing salads, burrito bowls, roasted vegetables, and easy meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressings Ingredients

2/3 cup olive oil (substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil as desired)
3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 Tablespoons honey
1 chipotle in adobo plus 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce (adjust for desired spiciness)
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

Combine Ingredients: Add all dressing ingredients into a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend: Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the dressing is completely combined and the chipotles are finely broken down. Alternatively, mince the garlic finely and place all ingredients in a lidded jar, shaking vigorously until well mixed.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning by adding more spices or another chipotle in adobo for a deeper smoky, spicy flavor. Blend or shake again if additions are made.
Serve or Store: Pour over your favorite salad, burrito bowl, or roasted veggies. Store any leftover dressing in a sealed mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 7-9 days.

Notes

Oil Choice: While Chipotle uses rice bran oil, olive oil or avocado oil offer added flavor and nutritional benefits. Rice bran, canola, or vegetable oil are suitable alternatives.
Chipotle in Adobo: Use leftover chipotle peppers in dishes like sheet pan shrimp fajitas, white bean vegetarian chili, Instant Pot chicken tinga, or spicy chicken chipotle pasta. Freeze extra chipotles on a sheet pan, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
Storage Tips: Store leftover dressing in a glass wide-mouth mason jar to avoid staining caused by the strong pigment of chipotle peppers. Dressing lasts 7-9 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

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

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