Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe

Bring bold, smoky flavor to your kitchen with this easy, blender-friendly Chipotle-style vinaigrette recipe.

If you’ve ever eaten a salad at Chipotle, you know their salad dressing is unforgettable. It’s tangy, smoky, sweet and just the right amount of spicy. This homemade version is shockingly close to the real thing – and maybe even better because you can make it fresh at home anytime.

This vinaigrette has quickly become a staple in our home. It’s the perfect dressing for your favorite salads, rice bowls, taco salad, roasted veggies, and even as a marinade. It’s such an easy recipe and the whole thing comes together in less than five minutes. All you need is a blender and a few pantry ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is actually super simple.

The flavor is layered and complex, yet every ingredient plays a clear, delicious role. The red wine vinegar brings acidity and brightness. The honey adds just enough sweetness. Chipotle peppers and garlic offer smoky, spicy depth. The oil smooths everything out while the spices pull it all together.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just trying to jazz up a weekday lunch, this dressing will not disappoint. It’s perfect for topping burrito bowls, taco salads, or even drizzling over grilled chicken. Once you make it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Let’s get straight to this glorious homemade dressing recipe.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
• 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 fresh garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender. (The Hamilton Beach personal blender works perfectly for this recipe!)

2. Blend until smooth and emulsified.

3. Taste and adjust salt or honey as needed.
4. Pour into an airtight container (a mason jar works well) and store in the fridge.

That’s it! No cooking, no fuss – just bold, flavorful dressing in minutes.

How to Use This Chipotle Salad Dressing

This copycat chipotle vinaigrette dressing is more than just a salad topping. Try drizzling it over roasted sweet potatoes and black beans. It’s also amazing on grilled corn and avocado toast. It’s also an awesome marinade for chicken.

Kids might find it a little spicy, but you can reduce the chipotle peppers to one if needed. If you want it spicier, toss in extra chipotles or a spoonful of the adobo sauce.

I like storing it in a mason jar with a lid so I can give it a good shake before each use.

Homemade Chipotle Burrito Bowl Bar

Use it alongside these recipes for an at-home Chipotle bowl bar!

Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe {the BEST for slow cooker!}

Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Copycat Chipotle Pinto Beans

Copycat Chipotle Fresh Salsa Recipe

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe

Storage Tips

This dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 7 days. The oil may solidify slightly when chilled. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and shake well before using. 

FAQs for Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe

• Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil? I would advise against using olive oil in this recipe. Because olive oil has a unique stronger taste, I recommend a neutral oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. 
• Is this dressing gluten-free? Yes, as long as your chipotle peppers and vinegar are certified gluten-free, this dressing is gluten-free.
• Can I make it less spicy? Absolutely. Use only one chipotle pepper or remove the seeds to cut down the heat.
• What if I don’t have a blender? You can use an immersion blender, food processor, or finely mince the garlic and peppers then whisk everything together.
• Can I freeze the dressing? It’s not recommended. The texture may change when thawed. It’s best fresh or refrigerated.

Whether you’re craving Chipotle-style flavor at home or just looking for a new go-to dressing, this one is a winner. It’s bold, smoky, and just sweet enough to balance it all out. Simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this vinaigrette deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.

Let me know in the comments how you used it or if you made any fun twists!

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