If you love the smoky-sweet Chipotle Vinaigrette recipe from your favorite well-loved fast-casual chain, this homemade version is for you! It’s the perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness—and it takes just 5 minutes to whip up.
Pair it with Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa to make your favorite takeout at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe
If you’re wondering “Does Chipotle sell their vinaigrette?”, sadly the answer is no. Luckily we’ve got this copycat recipe that’s just as good, maybe better than their famous dressing! I am obsessed with Chipotle’s Honey Vinaigrette dressing. I’m guessing you’re a fan of Chipotle Mexican Grill too since you landed here! I always order a salad and the dressing is my favorite part.
I came up with this copycat Chipotle vinaigrette recipe after testing a few versions using the ingredients listed on Chipotle’s website. After a few tweaks, I perfected the recipe—it tastes just like the one from Chipotle!
- Whip this up for any weeknight, or if they forgot your chipotle vinaigrette in your order (IFKYK).
- Like this other quick herby vinaigrette, it comes together in just 5 minutes with a simple blend-and-go method, making it one of the easiest dressings to whip up.
- Beyond salads, this chipotle salad dressing is incredibly versatile, adding bold, smoky, flavor to roasted veggies, grilled meats, and even as a dip. It’s a great way to turn a simple green salad into something absolutely special.
Plus, it’s meal prep-friendly, storing well in the fridge for up to a week, so you can enjoy it all week long! Pair it with copycat Chipotle corn salsa and BBQ chicken salad to make your favorite takeout at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of what Chipotle uses in their restaurant version, as well as our copycat Chipotle vinaigrette. Jump to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Olive oil – A neutral oil like light olive oil or avocado oil works best.
- Red wine vinegar – This gives the vinaigrette its signature tangy kick and helps balance the sweetness of the honey. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier flavor.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps emulsify. Use agave syrup or maple syrup as a vegan substitute.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – These smoked jalapeños come in a rich, tangy sauce that adds bold, spicy flavor. Use more or less depending on your preferred spice level. They can be found in the international or Hispanic foods aisle of most grocery stores or the canned vegetable or condiment section.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder works as well.
- Lime juice – Bright, fresh citrus flavor.
- Spices – Oregano, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper round out the flavor.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
Have leftover Chipotle Peppers? Make these Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos or freeze them for later.
How to Make Chipotle Vinaigrette
This is an overview with step-by-step photos, to make this honey chipotle salad dressing. Full printable instructions are in the recipe card below.
Can I make this in a jar? Yes, you can add everything to a mason jar and shake well.
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you don’t have a blender or food processor, finely chop the garlic and whisk everything together in a bowl or shake it up in a mason jar.
Step 2: Taste the dressing and add more seasonings or honey as needed. Want more heat? Add another chipotle pepper. Use immediately or refrigerate for later.
Expert Tips for this Spicy Vinaigrette
- For a creamy version, blend in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a better flavor to the dressing.
- Allow the dressing to rest for a bit. The flavors deepen after resting in the fridge for an hour.
Serving Tips
This dressing can be used to replace the dressing on any of your favorite salads. Also try it:
- As a topping over sweet potato beef taco skillet or sheet pan burrito bowls.
- As a marinade for grilled chicken breast.
- Mixed with sour cream for a spicy, creamy dipping sauce.
- Drizzled over roasted broccoli and carrots.
Vinaigrettes aren’t just for salads! In fact, this Serious Eats article is all about the ways to use a vinaigrette beyond salads.
Storage Tips
Keep in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for 7-9 days. Shake well before using.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, as the flavors meld together.
Yes! While Chipotle uses rice bran oil, olive oil or avocado oil to add extra flavor and nutrition.
If the honey makes it sweeter than you’d like, reduce it by half and add an extra splash of red wine vinegar or lime juice to balance the flavors.
Yes! If you love a zesty kick, add an extra teaspoon of vinegar or lime juice to brighten up the flavor.
Since this is an oil-based dressing, separation is natural. Just shake it well before each use or blend again if needed. Storing it in a mason jar makes it easy to give it a quick shake.
You can freeze extra chipotles and the adobo sauce for later. Store them in a zip-top bag for up to 6 months. You can also freeze them in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.
More Homemade Dressing Recipes
Recipes
Vegan Caesar Dressing
Whole30 Recipes
Whole30 Ranch Dressing (Video)
Recipes
Creamy Jalapeño Ranch
Healthy Salad Dressings
Fresh Herb Vinaigrette
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2/3 cup olive oil (sub avocado oil/vegetable oil— Note 1)
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1 chipotle in adobo + 1 teaspoon of the sauce (more or less to 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
- Add all of the dressing ingredients to a high speed blender or food processor and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until it's completely combined and the chipotles are broken down. Alternately, mince the garlic and shake everything vigorously in a lidded jar.
- Taste test the dressing and add more spices if needed. You can add another chipotle in adobo if you want a deeper, smoky, spicy flavor. Blend again if needed.
- Serve over your favorite salad or store in a mason jar in the fridge for later.
Notes
Video
Equipment
- High speed blender or food processor
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Simple instructions and easy to follow. The dressing was spot on! Thank you for sharing.
Glad you like it!
This was great!!! I made a half recipe, but didn’t have any chipotles in adobo sauce so added a bit of regular chili pepper and smoked paprika and we all liked it!
Sounds delish!
I’ve now made this 3 times in less than a month! it goes with any type of salad , thanks
We love this one too! Thanks Bridget!