You know that magical Chipotle dressing—the smoky, spicy, slightly sweet one that somehow makes everything on your plate taste better? Yeah, this is that dressing. My daughters are completely obsessed with it—they always ask for extra every time we hit Chipotle. So naturally, I had to figure out how to make it at home so I’ve come up with a Copycat-Chipotle’s Dressing Recipe!
This easy copycat recipe brings all the bold flavor with none of the takeout lines. Just toss everything in a blender, give it a whirl, and boom: you’re the hero of salad night. It’s perfect on bowls, salads, tacos, quesadillas, or straight from the spoon (no judgment)! Even if you’re not a fan of Chipotle Mexican Grill (like my husband), this flavorful dressing is worth trying.
Ingredients for Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette:
Red Wine Vinegar– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar. I’ve never tried making it with another kind of vinegar, but you could try white wine vinegar if that’s all you had on hand.
Honey- 1/3 cup honey. No substitution here.
Oregano- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Salt- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. I prefer Kosher salt.
Black Pepper- 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Chipotle Peppers- 2 large chipotle peppers in adobe sauce. These peppers come in a small can. You can find them in most grocery stores. They are usually in the section near the salsa and canned chiles. Be sure to get a can that says chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This is what adds the spicy flavor to the dressing. If you want less spice, only use one pepper.
Garlic- 2 whole fresh garlic cloves. I recommend using fresh garlic, but in a pinch, you could substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Avocado Oil– 3/4 cup of avocado oil. If you don’t have avocado oil, any neutral oil will do. Vegetable oil would be my next choice, then olive oil, and lastly, canola oil.
Here’s How to Make this Copycat Chipotle Salad Dressing:
There are no complicated steps, chopping, or cutting ingredients. It really can’t be easier to prepare this chipotle vinaigrette recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Measure out the red wine vinegar, honey, oregano, salt, black pepper, chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic cloves, and avocado oil. No need to chop anything—this is a dump-and-blend situation!
Step 2: Add everything to a blender or food processor.
Toss in all the ingredients—yep, even the whole garlic cloves and chipotle peppers (seeds and all for that smoky kick).
Step 3: Blend until smooth and creamy.
Blend on high for about 30–60 seconds, or until the dressing is fully emulsified and silky. Scrape down the sides if needed and give it another quick blitz.
Step 4: Taste and adjust.
Give it a taste—want more heat? Add another chipotle pepper. More sweetness? Drizzle in a touch more honey. It’s totally customizable.
Step 5: Store and enjoy!
Pour into a mason jar or an airtight container with a lid. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or stir before each use, and enjoy on salads, burrito bowls, tacos, or as a dip. My daughter Isabelle uses it as a dipping sauce for her quesadillas.
Chipotle’s famous dressing has the perfect balance of smoky flavors from the chipotle pepper, sweetness from the honey, and tanginess from the red wine vinegar. I love it on a taco salad, or drizzled over chicken or steak tacos. However you eat it, let me know what you think. Does it taste like Chipotle’s honey vinaigrette, or is it better???? Let me know in the comments below.
More Recipes to Try!
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Copycat- Chipotle's Dressing Recipe
This smoky Chipotle copycat vinaigrette is a bold, flavorful dressing made with chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, garlic, and red wine vinegar. It’s blended until smooth and creamy, and perfect for drizzling over salads, burrito bowls, tacos, or anything that needs a little kick. Bonus: it’s quick, easy, and kid-approved—my daughters always ask for extra!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 large chipotle peppers in adobe sauce
- 2 whole garlic cloves. peeled
- 3/4 cup avocado oil (vegetable oil is ok)
Instructions
- Add everything to a blender or food processor and blend until creamy and smooth.
- Pour into a mason jar or an airtight container with a lid. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or stir before each use, and enjoy on salads, burrito bowls, tacos, or as a dip.
Notes
It will keep for 5-7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 341mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 0g
**I have included an estimation of the nutrition information for this recipe. However always remember a recipe is so much more than just nutritional content and these numbers do not need to dictate your food choices. Please don’t forget that both your body and soul need nourishment! The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.
