Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette (Copycat Recipe)

Add a little kick to your favorite salad with this easy Chipotle honey vinaigrette copycat recipe!

It features chipotle in adobo sauce, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings. So it’s tangy, spicy, smoky, and totally flavor-packed.

Use it over salads, as a marinade, and more!

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette Ingredients 

Dig through your pantry and you’ll likely find everything you need to make this homemade vinaigrette. 

The one exception may be the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Look for them in the Hispanic aisle or at a local Latin market. 

Here’s the full list of ingredients:

• Red Wine Vinegar – One of the two main bases of this dressing. It adds tanginess and acidity.

• Honey – To sweeten the vinaigrette. It helps balance the spiciness of the chipotles and the acidity of the vinegar.

• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce – Smoky and spicy chipotle peppers add a fiery kick. You only need 2 out of the can for this. Otherwise, the flavor and spice will be overwhelming.

• Garlic, Oregano, Cumin – Fresh garlic cloves add another layer of flavor. Meanwhile, oregano and cumin bring aromatic warmth.

• Salt and Pepper – For seasoning the vinaigrette and enhancing its yummy flavor.

• Olive Oil – The other main ingredient. Be sure to use quality olive oil for the best flavor.

How to Make Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette

This homemade vinaigrette recipe is such a cinch to throw together. Just toss everything in a blender and it’s ready in 5 minutes. 

Here’s how to make it:

1. Blend. Pulse the red wine vinegar with the honey, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a blender. 

2. Add olive oil. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until smooth.

3. Bottle. Use immediately or pour into an airtight container and refrigerate.

If you blend this for long enough (before adding the oil), it will be super smooth and one color.

But I love the flecks of chili, so I like to keep one back and add it right at the end. The taste is the same, so either way works well.

(Psst! If you think this is too spicy for you, try this Dijon vinaigrette recipe instead!)

Ways to Use Chipotle Vinaigrette 

How can you use this copycat chipotle honey vinaigrette? Oh, let me count the ways!

Fresh salads are a must. So is Mexican food and pretty much anything that needs a little extra oomph. 

Here are some of my favorite ways to use this vinaigrette:

• Tacos – There’s no need for hot sauce when you add chipotle vinaigrette! Try it on your chicken, veggie, and breakfast tacos. 

• Vegetables – A drizzle of this vinaigrette instantly makes grilled and roasted vegetables more interesting. I especially love this on roasted potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.

• Salad – Leafy greens, chickpea salad, or even a broccoli salad would be tasty with this dressing.

• Chicken – Use it as a marinade for baked chicken or grilled chicken. The acidity helps tenderize the meat, and the flavors, after a couple of hours, will be out of this world.

How to Store

Chipotle honey vinaigrette is great to have on hand for a flavor booster. The recipe is make ahead-friendly and it stores well, too. 

Here’s how to store the vinaigrette:

To Store: Pour the vinaigrette into an airtight container, such as a mason jar. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Be sure to give it a good shake/stir before using it. The ingredients can separate as they sit. 

More Copycat Chipotle Recipes You’ll Love

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Chipotle Corn Salsa
Chipotle Chicken
Chipotle Chili