Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette is a flavorful, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing inspired by the one served at Chipotle. This copycat recipe combines honey, lime juice, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and olive oil to create a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet vinaigrette that pairs perfectly with salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a marinade. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can recreate this popular dressing at home, adding a fresh and customizable twist to your meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette brings a bold and vibrant flavor to any dish. The honey balances out the heat from the chipotle peppers, while the lime juice adds a burst of freshness. The smokiness of the chipotle peppers gives this dressing a unique depth that makes it stand out from traditional vinaigrettes. Whether you’re drizzling it on a salad, using it as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken, or tossing it with roasted vegetables, this dressing will elevate any dish with its bold, flavorful kick.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (from a can)

• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chipotle Pepper: Finely chop the chipotle pepper from the adobo sauce, making sure to remove any seeds if you want a milder dressing. (You can use more or less of the chipotle pepper depending on your desired spice level.)

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, adobo sauce, chopped chipotle pepper, garlic powder, and red wine vinegar.

3. Add the Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk the mixture to help emulsify the dressing. Keep whisking until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined.

4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. If you want more sweetness, add a little more honey. For extra heat, add a little more chipotle or adobo sauce.

5. Serve or Store: Drizzle the dressing over your favorite salad, grilled vegetables, or use it as a marinade for chicken or shrimp. If you’re not using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 1 cup of dressing (enough for 4-6 salads)

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: For more heat, add an extra chipotle pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper to the vinaigrette.

• Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but you can add a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.

• Use Different Sweeteners: If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave, or coconut nectar for a different flavor.

• Add Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley can be added for an herby twist if you want to enhance the freshness of the vinaigrette.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Refrigeration: This dressing can be chilled, and the flavors will develop even more over time. Just make sure to shake or stir it before using to re-emulsify.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried chipotle powder instead of a chipotle pepper?

Yes, you can use chipotle powder if you don’t have a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste, as chipotle powder can vary in heat intensity.

2. Can I make this vinaigrette without honey?

Yes, you can use a different sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version, or you can omit the sweetener altogether if you prefer a more savory dressing.

3. Can I use this vinaigrette as a marinade?

Absolutely! This vinaigrette makes an excellent marinade for chicken, shrimp, or grilled vegetables. Just marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.

4. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute the red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. However, the tanginess may vary slightly.

5. How can I make the vinaigrette creamier?

For a creamier texture, whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise. This will give it a richer, more decadent consistency.

6. How spicy is this vinaigrette?

The level of spice will depend on how much chipotle pepper and adobo sauce you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chipotle pepper and add more to taste. For a mild vinaigrette, you can use just the adobo sauce.

7. Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes! This vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, the flavors may deepen after sitting for a while, making it even more flavorful.

8. Can I use a blender to make this vinaigrette?

Yes, you can use a blender to combine the ingredients. Simply add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and emulsified.

9. Can I freeze this vinaigrette?

It’s not recommended to freeze this vinaigrette, as the olive oil may separate when thawed, affecting the texture and flavor.

10. Can I use this vinaigrette on tacos or as a dip?

Yes! This vinaigrette can also be used as a flavorful sauce for tacos, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce for chips, quesadillas, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette (Copycat) recipe is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to your salads, grilled meats, or even as a marinade for chicken or shrimp. With its balance of heat, sweetness, and tang, this dressing will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile, this vinaigrette will elevate any dish you pair it with!