Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette – Dishing Out Health

Homemade Chipotle Vinaigrette tastes just like the original, but made with better-for-you ingredients. Prep a batch of this chipotle honey vinaigrette to enjoy over burrito bowls, salads, and more.

Why You’ll Love this Chipotle Vinaigrette

• Quick + Easy. Toss all of the ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth, and this dressing is ready in just 5 minutes.
• Versatile. There are endless ways to enjoy this dressing. Drizzle it over Fish Taco Bowls, Chipotle Chicken Salad, or these Vegan Chipotle Bowls. You can also use this chipotle vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken or steak.
• Double-Batch Worthy. I love adding homemade dressings and sauces to my weekly meal prep. They’re one of the best ways to instantly elevate leftovers, or keep the rotating bowl of chicken, veggies, and rice exciting.
• Healthy. In place of vegetable oil, we’re using avocado oil in this dressing, which is a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, as well as vitamin E and carotenoids.

I’m a huge fan of the chipotle honey vinaigrette at Chipotle, and I have to say, my version tastes even better than the original.

It’s sweet and smoky with a good kick of spice.

Not only is making it at home more cost effective, but it guarantees you weeks worth of delicious salads and bowls.

By the way, if you’re a big Chipotle fan, you’ll also love these Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls.

The Ingredients

• Avocado Oil: I prefer using avocado oil over olive oil because it has a very neutral flavor, which allows the other flavors to shine. Alternatively, organic grapeseed oil also works well.
• Chipotle Peppers: Look for chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce, which are super smoky and spicy. (A little goes a long way!) If you’re spice adverse, you can easily customize the level of heat by only using half of a pepper.
• Honey: A little sweetness helps balance the smoky spice of the chipotle peppers. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to add an extra tablespoon.
• Spices: The original chipotle vinaigrette includes oregano and cumin, which is also what this dressing calls for. These two spices add a nice earthy backbone.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.
• Garlic: To punch up the aromatic goodness.

For a complete list of recipe ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below

The Directions

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a blender.

Step 2: Blend until smooth.

Transfer chipotle honey vinaigrette to a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

• Homemade Burrito Bowl. In true Chipotle style, a homemade burrito bowl with rice, beans, veggies, and your protein of choice is always a winner. This meal is always a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Taco Salad. All of the classic taco fixings over a bowl of crisp romaine? Sign me up! If you need some inspiration, check out my favorite Quinoa Taco Salad. Or, you can simply make my Chipotle Chicken Chopped Salad, which is where this dressing recipe originally appeared.
• Tacos. Drizzle the chipotle vinaigrette over shrimp, chicken, or steak tacos. It’s also a delicious addition to my Baja Fish Tacos and Vegan Chorizo Tacos.
• Marinade. This dressing can also be used as a marinade for chicken, steak, or even tofu. It will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with smoky-sweet flavor.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Customize Heat. As written, this chipotle vinaigrette is a tad spicier than the original. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half a chipotle chili pepper, and see if that level of smoky spice is sufficient.
• Use Fresh Garlic. While dried garlic will work in a pinch, fresh adds more intense flavor.
• Use a High Power Blender. An immersion blender will also work, however this recipe really needs blending to achieve the vibrant orange color and smooth, creamy consistency.
• Properly Store. To make this dressing last for up to 2 weeks, store in a tightly-lidded glass jar or dressing bottle. Keep refrigerated.

If you give this chipotle honey vinaigrette a try, snap a photo and tag #dishingouthealth. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!