This Chipotle Vinaigrette is smoky, tangy, and bold enough to make any bowl worth eating. Subtle heat, a bright lime kick, and a finish that clings perfectly to greens, grains, and roasted veggies. Your new weeknight staple is ready in less than 5 minutes.
This is a copycat of Chipotle's original honey vinaigrette - same smoky, tangy flavor profile you know and love, just made fully vegan. The only swap is maple syrup for honey, and honestly, it works just as well. Same sweetness, same balance. You'd never know the difference.
This is a great vegan dressing for a grain bowl, veggies, or salad with some heat. If you love this dressing, try other favorites like Miso Citrus Dressing, Blueberry Salad Dressing, and Pomegranate Vinaigrette.
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What Is Chipotle Vinaigrette?
Chipotle vinaigrette is a smoky, tangy dressing made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, red wine vinegar, and a touch of sweetness. This recipe is a copycat of the beloved dressing served at Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Why I Keep Making This
- Super quick: Ready in just 5 minutes
- Versatile: Clings beautifully to greens, grains, roasted veggies, and even sandwiches.
- Your new staple: Once you try it, this dressing will become your go-to for easy, crave-worthy meals.
Shopping List
Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: Chipotle peppers in adobo are smoked, dried jalapeños packed in a rich, tangy sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, and spices. They bring a deep smoky heat - think a 6 out of 10 on the heat scale. You'll find them in a small can in the Mexican or international food aisle at most grocery stores. Use up the can in my Chipotle Black Bean Burger and Easy Vegan Chipotle Aioli Sauce.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and a full ingredient list.
Variations
- Smokier Heat: Add extra chipotle peppers
- Creamy Chipotle: Blend in 1-2 tablespoons of vegan mayo or cashew cream for a creamier version
- Citrus Variation: Swap lime for orange or lemon juice
How to Make Chipotle Vinaigrette
See the complete printable recipe card below for the details.
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a container, except for the olive oil.
Step 2: Slowly add the olive oil while using an immersion blender. Taste and adjust the flavor.
Top Tips
- Blend it well: Use a blender or immersion blender to get a smooth texture that emulsifies the oil.
- Adjust the heat: Start with 1 chipotle pepper, then add more to taste so you can control the spice.
- Store smart: Keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over quinoa, brown rice, or farro with roasted veggies
- Toss with crisp greens or use it on Christmas Wreath Salad
- Use as a finishing sauce on Pulled Jackfruit Tacos, burrito bowls, or wraps for a smoky kick.
- Spread a little on your favorite sandwiches or plant-based burgers, like the Chipotle Black Bean Burger, for extra flavor.
Recipe FAQS
Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to about 1 week. The flavors actually deepen as it sits.
Yes! Make it a day in advance to let the flavors meld-you'll get even more depth.
More Delicious Vinaigrettes
Drop a comment and tell me how this Chipotle Vinaigrette turned out! Was it love at first bite, surprisingly edible, or a full-on yuck? And if my directions helped (or didn't), please let me know so I can keep improving these recipes for you.
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Recipe Card
Chipotle Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Immersion Blender or a blender
Ingredients
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 -2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus a spoonful of the sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice ~ juice of one lime
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Blend ingredients: Add the red wine vinegar, lime juice, garlic, chipotle pepper and sauce, maple syrup, salt, cumin, and smoked paprika to a tall jar or blending cup and blend with an immersion blender until combined. Alternatively, use a standing blender or food processor.
- Add oil and taste: With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week and shake well before each use.
Luke says
I put this on EVERYTHING, it’s delicious on salads, rice, and as a dip for fries 🙂
Regi Pearce says
Thanks for the comment! Glad you loved it - this is one of my favs.
Vger says
I blended this up in under 5 minutes and immediately drizzled it over a grain bowl — the smoky chipotle heat balanced perfectly with the lime and maple syrup, and it clung to everything beautifully. It really does taste like the real Chipotle dressing, and I'll never buy a bottled vinaigrette again.
Regi Pearce says
This made my day! Once you go homemade you really can't go back — bottled dressing just can't compete. A grain bowl was the perfect call for it. So glad it hit the spot!
Regi Pearce says
This Chipotle vinaigrette is a game-changer. Smoky, tangy, and ready in less than 5 minutes. Definitely going into my weeknight rotation!