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Chipotle Vinaigrette Bold Smoky Sweet

Category: Fresh & Healthy Salads

Blend smoky chipotles in adobo with red wine vinegar, honey, lime juice, and garlic for a bold, sweet, and tangy vinaigrette. Olive oil or avocado oil provides a smooth mouthfeel, while cumin and oregano boost the southwestern flavors. Perfect for topping salads, burrito bowls, or roasted vegetables, this dressing comes together quickly in a blender or by shaking vigorously in a sealed jar. Adjust the spice by varying the chipotle amount, and store leftovers in a glass container for up to a week in the fridge. Versatile and flavor-packed, this vinaigrette elevates everyday meals with a vibrant kick.

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Savor by Sophie official logo
Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 21:52:16 GMT
A bowl of salad with a dressing. Save
A bowl of salad with a dressing. | sweetbyemma.com

This Chipotle Vinaigrette has become my go-to dressing anytime I crave bold and smoky flavors without a lot of work. Inspired by the classic salad dressing at Chipotle restaurants, this homemade version gets its deep kick from chipotles in adobo and a touch of honey for the perfect balance. It comes together in minutes and keeps beautifully in the fridge for easy salads, burrito bowls, or an instant flavor boost for any meal.

My family asks for this at every taco night and I love how it wakes up even the plainest salad greens. Once when I ran out of the store bought version I whipped up this recipe and we never looked back.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: gives the vinaigrette its rich base and extra flavor choose good quality for the best taste
  • Red wine vinegar: adds tang and brightness to balance the smoky chipotle
  • Honey: helps round out the flavors with gentle sweetness and balances heat use local honey if available
  • Chipotle in adobo: brings that deep smoke and heat select whole chipotles packed in adobo sauce for true smoky flavor
  • Garlic: adds that signature savory sharpness fresh cloves are best for a bold punch
  • Lime juice: makes the whole dressing more vibrant use freshly squeezed for peak taste
  • Oregano: adds herbal depth dried is fine just make sure it smells fresh
  • Cumin: lends earthiness and warmth buy ground cumin in small quantities to keep it fresh
  • Kosher salt: enhances the flavors choose pure kosher granules for even seasoning
  • Black pepper: brings a gentle kick and complexity grind fresh if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather Ingredients:
Make sure you have everything ready on the counter measure and prep so building the dressing is fast and smooth
Blend the Dressing:
Place olive oil red wine vinegar honey chipotle in adobo garlic lime juice oregano cumin kosher salt and black pepper into a high speed blender or food processor blend for about one to two minutes until the chipotle and garlic are fully pureed and the dressing is smooth and creamy
Taste and Adjust:
Pause to taste a spoonful adjust seasoning if you want more spice add another chipotle or a splash more adobo sauce add a dash more honey if it needs sweetness blend again to combine
Store and Chill:
Pour the dressing into a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes to allow flavors to meld shake well before each use
A bowl of sliced vegetables with a spoon in it. Save
A bowl of sliced vegetables with a spoon in it. | savorbysophie.com

Chipotle peppers are the star here I love how their smoky heat lingers and upgrades everything from grain bowls to roasted veggies An afternoon making this together with my kids turned kitchen cleanup into a spicy taste test contest where everyone left happy

Storage Tips

Store the vinaigrette in a glass jar or non staining container as chipotle can leave stains on plastic Keep refrigerated and tightly sealed Use within seven to nine days for best flavor If separating occurs simply shake or stir to recombine

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil or the more neutral canola Diamond kosher salt works best for seasoning Try maple syrup instead of honey to make it vegan No fresh garlic Use a small pinch of garlic powder in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

This vinaigrette is not just for salads Drizzle over grilled chicken or steak for a zesty finish or toss with roasted sweet potatoes for an elevated side I love using it on grain bowls with black beans corn and avocado for weekday lunches

Chipotle Vinaigrette Origins

Chipotle s signature vinaigrette is a cult favorite in Mexican inspired fast casual chains The smoky depth comes from traditional Mexican chipotles in adobo which are smoke dried jalapeños simmered in a tangy tomato sauce Homemade versions are even more customizable letting you control the heat and sweetness

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease the amount of chipotle in adobo to customize the heat. Taste as you blend and add more for extra kick.

→ What oils can be used for this vinaigrette?

Olive oil, avocado oil, rice bran oil, or vegetable oil all work well, each offering subtle flavor differences and texture.

→ How do I store leftover vinaigrette?

Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 7–9 days. Mason jars work great to prevent staining from chipotle peppers.

→ What are the best ways to use this dressing?

Drizzle over salads, burrito bowls, roasted veggies, or grain bowls to add a bold, smoky flavor profile.

→ Can I make it without a blender?

Yes. Finely mince the garlic and whisk all ingredients or shake vigorously in a jar until emulsified.

→ Are there suitable ingredient substitutions?

Swap honey for agave or maple syrup, use different oils, or adjust the vinegar type for personal taste.

Chipotle Vinaigrette Bold Smoky Sweet

Smoky chipotle vinaigrette combines honey, garlic, and lime for a zesty, flavorful dressing.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 min
By: Sophie

Category: Salads

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 7 Serves (approximately 280 ml vinaigrette)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Vinaigrette

01 160 ml olive oil (or substitute avocado, rice bran, or vegetable oil)
02 45 ml red wine vinegar
03 45 ml honey
04 1 chipotle pepper in adobo with 5 ml adobo sauce (adjust to preferred spice level)
05 2 garlic cloves
06 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 1 lime)
07 5 ml dried oregano
08 5 ml ground cumin
09 5 ml kosher salt
10 1.25 ml freshly ground black pepper

Steps

Step 01

Place olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chipotle pepper with adobo sauce, garlic cloves, lime juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper into a high-speed blender or food processor.

Step 02

Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified and the chipotle is thoroughly incorporated. Alternatively, mince the garlic finely and shake all ingredients vigorously in a lidded jar until combined.

Step 03

Taste the vinaigrette and adjust spices or chipotle quantity as preferred for increased smokiness or heat. Blend again if any additional ingredients are added.

Step 04

Pour over desired dishes immediately or transfer to an airtight glass container. Refrigerate for up to 7 to 9 days.

Notes

  1. For the closest Chipotle taste, rice bran oil offers authenticity, but olive or avocado oil will add enhanced flavor and nutrition.
  2. Chipotle peppers in adobo can be portioned and frozen for up to 6 months to avoid waste.
  3. Store the vinaigrette in glass jars to prevent staining from the vibrant chipotle pigment.

Required Tools

  • High-speed blender or food processor
  • Lidded glass jar
  • Measuring spoons

Nutrition Information (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 175
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 0.2 g