Smokey Chipotle Vinaigrette

Spice up your salads with this easy chipotle vinaigrette! Tangy, smoky, and a little sweet, it's the perfect Southwest flavor bomb. Get the recipe now! ... Salads & Bowls
Alright, let’s dive into this Chipotle Vinaigrette shall we? Ever get bored with the same old salad dressings?
Smokey Chipotle Vinaigrette - Spice Up Your Salad Game!
This chipotle vinaigrette is about to become your new best friend. Honestly, it's a flavour bomb! We are talking about a smoky, tangy, sweet explosion for your taste buds.
What’s the deal with this vinaigrette anyway?
Think southwest vibes. this little number has roots in mexican cuisine. it’s super easy to make and will take you, literally, about 5 minutes.
This recipe makes about 1 cup, enough for around 8 servings. perfect for family or meal prep.
Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Recipe
First, let’s be real. this recipe is healthy-ish. this honey chipotle vinaigrette is packed with flavour. the hint of honey makes it that little bit more special.
It is amazing on pretty much everything.
Ready to make this? I know I am. Time to talk ingredients.
Building Blocks of Chipotle Deliciousness
Okay, so what do we need? Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have.
- Olive oil : 1/4 cup (60ml).
- Red wine vinegar : 2 tablespoons (30ml).
- Lime juice : 2 tablespoons (30ml). Fresh is always best!.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce : 1-2, chopped fine. Adjust to your spice tolerance!.
- Adobo sauce : 1 tablespoon (15ml).
- Honey : 1 tablespoon (15ml).
- Dijon mustard : 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Ground cumin : 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Smoked paprika : 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml).
- Garlic powder : 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml).
- Salt and pepper : To taste.
- Chopped cilantro : 1 tablespoon (15ml). Optional, but highly recommended.
Simple Steps to Chipotle Perfection
Right, now for the easy part. the actual making of the magic. in a bowl, or a jar – honestly, whatever you’ve got to hand – combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, and honey.
Then, chuck in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dijon mustard. whisk like you mean it, or if you’re using a jar, shake it until it all comes together.
Give it a taste. not enough tang? more lime juice. not enough sweetness? add some extra honey chipotle vinegarette . salt and pepper, you know the drill.
If you’re feeling fancy, stir in the cilantro. boom. done.
Flavour Boosting Tip
If you have time. Pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. The flavours will get to know each other better and it makes a great Chipotle Salad Dressing Recipe .
Nutritional Stuff
Per tablespoon, you're looking at roughly 50 calories. A little fat, a few carbs. This Chipotle Vinegarette is tasty.
Final thoughts
Honestly, this is one of those recipes that once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Enjoy.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this unreal chipotle vinaigrette . Honestly, the right ingredients can make or break this thing!
Smokey Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!
Main Ingredients: The Flavor Brigade
Here's what you'll need to whip up this killer chipotle salad dressing recipe. I remember once trying to make this with old lime juice. Oh my gosh, disastrous! Fresh is always best!
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Go for extra virgin. You want that fruity flavour.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This adds the tang.
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . That's about 1-2 limes, freshly squeezed! Bottled stuff just doesn't compare.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: 1-2 , finely chopped (adjust for your heat tolerance). These are the stars of the show.
- Adobo Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (from the chipotle can). Don't skip this.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . The honey chipotle salad dressing needs a little sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . This helps it all emufy.
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Smoked Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Hello, smokiness.
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key!
- Fresh Cilantro: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , chopped (optional, but highly recommended).
For quality, those chipotle peppers are crucial. look for plump, moist peppers with a rich, smoky aroma. avoid any that seem dried out or brittle.
I always grab a few cans when i see them at the shop, just in case! this is going to be the best honey chipotle vinaigrette dressing you ever taste!
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Think of these spices as a team. Cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder? Oh my gosh, they're a powerhouse. This honey chipotle vinegarette is magic.
If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do in a pinch. but honestly, the smokiness is what makes it.
For heat, cayenne pepper is another option. for that authentic chipotle flavour, make sure you are using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for this chipotle vinaigrette recipe
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You really don't need a fancy kitchen for this. I've made this in a camping tent with just a fork and a bowl!
- Small Bowl or Jar with a lid
- Whisk or Fork (a fork works fine, trust me)
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Cutting Board
- Knife
If you don't have a whisk, a fork works great. a mason jar is perfect for shaking it all together.
I make this creamy chipotle vinaigrette all the time. the chipotle salad dressing is so good!
Now, let's get cooking.
Okay, here we go! Let’s whip up some Smokey Chipotle Vinaigrette !

Smokey Chipotle Vinaigrette: Spice Up Your Salad Game!
Honestly, this chipotle vinaigrette is a game changer. forget those boring shop-bought dressings. you know? this is way better. a total flavor bomb.
Plus, it's ridiculously easy to make. i remember the first time i tried it – i was hooked! my salads were never the same.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters
First, grab your stuff. chop those chipotle peppers – carefully! i once got some adobo sauce in my eye. ouch! fresh lime juice is key.
None of that bottled stuff, alright? get your 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil , 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar , and 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice ready.
Make sure you have a good knife and a chopping board. then measure out those spices!
Step-by-Step to Flavor Town
Here's how to make magic happen:
- Combine 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil , 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar , 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice , 1 tablespoon (15ml) adobo sauce , and 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey in a bowl.
- Add 1-2 finely chopped chipotle peppers , 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard , 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cumin , 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) smoked paprika , 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) garlic powder , salt and pepper.
- Whisk like you mean it! Get everything mixed properly. It should look nice and emufied.
- Taste it! Seriously, this is important. Does it need more lime? More honey? More chipotle? Adjust until you love it.
- (Optional) Stir in 1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh cilantro . I usually do, but it's your call.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meet and become friends.
Pro Tips for the Vinaigrette Boss
- Chipotle Hack: For a smoother dressing, blend the chipotles and adobo sauce first. It makes a difference.
- Start with one chipotle pepper. You can always add more! They can vary in heat a lot, so you need to taste and adjust.
- Common Mistake : Don't skimp on the olive oil. Use good stuff! It makes it taste amazing.
- Make sure you try this Honey Chipotle Salad Dressing .
This honey chipotle vinaigrette dressing is totally worth it. it's way better than any store-bought bottle, and you can adjust it to your liking! i love drizzling it over a grilled chicken salad.
Or use it as a marinade for chicken. it’s great with tacos. honestly, the possibilities are endless. make some today, you won’t regret it! it is a great addition to chipotle pepper recipes .
People are going crazy for this chipotle salad dressing recipe !. it’s also great as a creamy chipotle vinaigrette , you can add some greek yogurt to it! this honey chipotle vinegarette is the business!.
Okay, let's dive into making that chipotle vinaigrette article extra special! Here’s the "Recipe Notes" section, sprinkled with that personal touch you're after:
Recipe Notes
Right, so you've whipped up your chipotle vinaigrette . ace! but before you slather it on everything (guilty!), let's chat about a few extra bits.
Honestly, it's all about making it your own and getting the most out of this liquid gold.
Serving Ideas? Sorted!
Okay, so, plating. don’t just chuck it on! a drizzle over a vibrant salad is a classic. i love it over grilled corn salad.
Imagine it on a taco salad. a bed of lettuce, black beans, grilled chicken or tofu, corn, and that amazing honey chipotle salad dressing drizzled over the top.
Seriously delish! what about complementary drinks? a chilled margarita is perfect or maybe even just some lime-infused sparkling water. so refreshing!
Storage Stash!
Here's the lowdown on keeping your chipotle vinaigrette fresh. refrigerate it, yeah? in an airtight container, obvs. it'll happily sit there for up to 5 days.
Freezing? not recommended, mate. it'll split and be sad. reheating? just let it come to room temperature. give it a good shake or a whisk to bring it back to life.
Easy peasy.
Mix It Up, Buttercup!
Fancy a change? if you're veggie, swap out honey for agave nectar. works a treat. seasonal swaps? in summer, chuck in some fresh corn kernels.
For a creamy chipotle vinaigrette , stir in a dollop of greek yogurt! omg so yummy!. using a honey chipotle vinegarette dressing in your food is a game changer!.
Got some leftover chipotle peppers ? make a big batch! honestly it's great.
Nutrition Nuggets
Alright, health nerds! a tablespoon is about 50 calories. mostly from that lovely olive oil. it's got some healthy fats! and hey, the chipotle pepper recipes bring a bit of a metabolic kick! just don't go swimming in it.
This chipotle salad dressing recipe is going to become your new best friend, i promise. this honey chipotle vinaigrette dressing isn’t just a recipe; it's an invitation to experiment and play with flavours.
Go on, give it a whirl and taste the magic for yourself. have fun creating and enjoying!. seriously, you can use chipotle vinaigrette on everything, you know? don't be afraid to get creative!.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this chipotle vinaigrette last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your chipotle vinaigrette will last for about 5-7 days. The acidity of the vinegar and lime juice helps to preserve it. Just give it a good shake or whisk before each use, as the oil and other ingredients may separate a bit. It's like that pint of Ben & Jerry's – you could make it last a week, but it's usually gone much faster!
Can I make this chipotle vinaigrette spicier?
Absolutely! If you're a fan of a bit of a kick like those who like a fiery vindaloo, feel free to add more chipotle peppers. Start by adding a little at a time, tasting as you go, until you reach your desired level of heat. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's harder to take it away!
What if I don't have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
Not a problem! If you can't find chipotle peppers, you can create a similar smoky flavor by using about 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika combined with a pinch of cayenne pepper. This won't replicate the exact taste, but it will give you a good smoky heat. Alternatively, you could try using chipotle powder, but be careful, as it can be quite potent – start with a small amount and adjust to taste, like adding mustard to your Sunday roast!
Can I make this chipotle vinaigrette ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making it ahead of time is recommended. Allowing the vinaigrette to sit for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight, allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This will give you a richer, more complex flavor. Just like a good cup of tea needs time to steep, this vinaigrette benefits from a little patience!
What can I use this chipotle vinaigrette on?
This chipotle vinaigrette is incredibly versatile! It's fantastic on salads, especially those with Southwestern flavors like corn, black beans, and avocado. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken, steak, or fish. Try drizzling it over tacos, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables. It's so good, you might even be tempted to drink it straight from the jar, though maybe pace yourself – nobody wants a vinaigrette hangover!
Is there a way to make this chipotle vinaigrette vegan?
Yes, absolutely! To make this vinaigrette vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options provide a similar level of sweetness and work perfectly in this recipe. Just like swapping butter for olive oil when you're feeling virtuous, this small change makes a big difference for those following a plant-based diet.