Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette (Copycat)
Chipotle's honey vinaigrette has earned a devoted following for its perfect balance of smoky heat and natural sweetness that brightens any salad or bowl. This copycat recipe captures that addictive flavor using real chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, raw honey, and aged red wine vinegar as the foundation for complex flavor. The smoky, slightly spicy profile pairs beautifully with fresh greens, grilled chicken, black beans, or hearty grain bowls loaded with vegetables. What makes this dressing special is its incredible versatility—use it as a salad dressing, marinade for proteins, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or toss with pasta salad. The olive oil base provides healthy monounsaturated fats while carrying those smoky chipotle flavors throughout every bite. Make a batch weekly and store refrigerated for fresh, restaurant-quality salads anytime you want them.
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Ingredients
- •Olive oil - 1/3 cup
- •Red wine vinegar - 2 tablespoons
- •Honey - 2 tablespoons
- •Water - 1 tablespoon
- •Adobo sauce (from canned chipotles) - 1-2 teaspoons
- •Garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- •Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
- •Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine red wine vinegar, honey, and water. Whisk or shake until honey is dissolved.
- 2
Add adobo sauce (start with 1 teaspoon and add more for spicier dressing), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 3
While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create an emulsion. Or seal jar and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- 4
Taste and adjust seasonings. Add more adobo for heat, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for tanginess.
- 5
Use immediately or store in refrigerator. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature and shake well before using.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- • Taste and adjust seasoning as you go
- • Use room temperature ingredients for best emulsification
- • Let flavors meld by refrigerating 30 minutes before serving
Storage
- • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in airtight container
- • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight)
Variations
Make it spicier with cayenne, tangier with extra lemon, or creamier with more mayo. Customize to your taste!
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