Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (2024)

By Patrick 29 Comments

Chipotle Mexican Grill lists ingredients for their menu items here, including the ten ingredients that make up their lauded Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette. For some reason though they don't list exact measurements 🙂

Don't they know that there are legions of Chipotle fans out there who would give up all other forms of food in exchange for Chipotle every meal?

Luckily though you can follow a few simple tricks and make your own copycat version of their delicious Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette, and who knows, it might even surpass the one you're used to.

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (1)

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette Recipe

A great starting point for a homemade salad dressing is a 3:1 oil to vinegar ratio. This is an industry standard and will ensure that the vinegar doesn't overpower the dressing.

I used olive oil but you've got quite a bit of leeway in the oil choice. Keep in mind that you are getting gobs of flavor from the honey and chipotles, so you don't necessarily need the oil to contribute any additional flavor. In other words, a neutral flavored oil is a good starting point.

But oil and vinegar aside, it's really these beauties that make the dressing a keeper:

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (2)

If you are new to chipotles in adobo here is a good page with some details on working with them. They are essentially dried jalapenos swimming in a tangy, smoky adobo sauce and they can be used in a wide range of dishes. I'm in the habit of scraping out the seeds but you can consider this optional.

Okay, keeping in mind a 3:1 oil to vinegar ratio, here's what our starting measurements look like:

1.5 cups oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup honey
3-4 chipotles in adobo
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon oregano (I used Mexican oreganobut regular is fine)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
freshly cracked black pepper
squeeze of lime
splash of water

Add ingredients to a blender or food processor and give it a good whirl.

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (3)

And now take a taste to check on the heat and sweetness. I was happy using 1/4 cup of honey but some of you might want a little more. You can also add additional adobo sauce or another chipotle if you want more heat. Some of the heat will get covered up by the sweetness so you might need more than you think. I used 4 chipotles for this batch.

You're left with a sweet, smoky vinaigrette that will work wonders on salads, veggies, and even fingers. So good!

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (4)

I mean...if it's hard to stop licking the spoon that's a good sign right?

This batch is designed to fit in a pint-sized Mason jar and will make 2+ cups of sweet, smoky deliciousness.

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (5)

This should keep in the fridge for at least a few days. Having it on standbyis probably the quickest way to get more greens in your diet.

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (6)

Which leads to an important question...

Who needs Chipotle when there is a chef like you in the house?!!

Buen Provecho.

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (7)

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe

Here's an easy recipe to mimic the awesome Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette from Chipotle Mexican Grill. It has a sweet, smoky flavor that'll make your salad sing!

4.15 from 56 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 201kcal

Author: Mexican Please

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups oil (olive or any neutral oil)
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3-4 chipotles in adobo
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • freshly cracked pepper
  • squeeze of lime
  • splash of water

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.

  • Taste for heat and sweetness, adding additional chipotles and honey if you want.

  • Serve immediately. Store in an airtight container in the fridge where it will keep for at least a few days.

Notes

I used olive oil but neutral flavored oils will work well here too.

I'm in the habit of scraping out the seeds of the chipotles but that is optional.

Don't forget to take a taste after blending to check on the heat and sweetness levels.

Adapted from Chipotle Mexican Grill's ingredient list.

Like this recipe?Click the stars above to rate it or leave a comment down below! @mexplease

Our most recent recipe is Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas.

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (8)

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« Spicy Kale and Quinoa Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brittany

    I LOVE chipotle’s dressing. Definitely going to make this!!!

    Reply

  2. Elizabeth

    Yummeh! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Patrick

      🙂

      Reply

  3. Cass

    Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (9)
    This came out so good! The only thing I changed was the amount of oil, I only used 3/4 cups and it came out perfect! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Patrick

      Hey thanks much for your note Cass -- and thanks for mentioning the oil adjustment too. Cheers.

      Reply

  4. Mireya

    Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (10)
    I followed the recipe, but the oil was too much. I don't think the ratio is right. I used a mixture of olive and grape seed oil.

    Reply

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Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette -- Copycat Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is chipotle honey vinaigrette made of? ›

To make this recipe, you'll want to haul out your blender, plus four ingredients, including red-wine vinegar, honey, canned chipotles in adobo, and dried oregano (not counting basics like salt, pepper, oil and water). In Chipotle locations, they use their chipotle marinade in place of the canned chipotles.

Does chipotle sell their vinaigrette? ›

It comes standard with every salad, but it isn't available in the assembly line in the store, or as an add-on in the app. The vinaigrette has a tangy and smoky flavor that's a simple way to level up anything you order at Chipotle. All you have to do to get your hands on some is to ask for it in-person.

What kind of vinegar is at chipotle? ›

Each ingredient was chosen to provide the right blend of flavor: we get sweetness from the honey, acid from the red wine vinegar, saltiness from the salt (duh), and savory floral notes from black pepper and oregano.

How long is chipotle vinaigrette good for? ›

Oregano: Chipotle uses dried Mexican oregano. Olive oil: Chipotle uses Rice Bran oil in all of their recipes. Yield: This recipe makes about 2 cups of Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette, enough for 16 servings, 2 tablespoons each. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What is the main ingredient in chipotle? ›

Our namesake ingredient, the chipotle chili pepper is a dried and smoked jalapeño produced using the age-old craft of smoking them over pecan wood for several days. These intensely smoky, spicy peppers are the foundation for much of the food we serve - from our chicken, steak, and Barbacoa to our beans and vinaigrette.

What is honey chipotle flavor? ›

Smoky, sweet, and spicy sauce great for tossing on wings or glazing chicken/pork before or after cooking.

Can you buy Chipotle ingredients? ›

Now you can buy Chipotle ingredients directly from the chain's suppliers.

Is the chipotle honey vinaigrette keto? ›

Is Chipotle Vinaigrette Keto friendly? As is, the vinaigrette is not keto friendly because of the honey used in the recipe. If you'd like to make this recipe keto friendly, try substituting the honey with this Low Calorie Agave Sweetener.

Does Chipotle have a secret sauce? ›

Another sauce that you can find on the Chipotle secret menu is the dragon sauce. To create this mythical-sounding sauce, simply request a side of sour cream and a side of the tomatillo-red chili salsa. Mix them together and take your newly-created sauce for a taste test.

How to make Chipotle from scratch? ›

Instructions
  1. Lay the peppers in your smoker in one layer, ideally not touching. ...
  2. Smoke the peppers at least 6 hours, but I prefer all day, like 16 hours. ...
  3. If you want, you can pull the jalapenos at any time after 6 hours and finish them in a dehydrator set on low heat. ...
  4. Store them in a bag at room temperature.
Sep 4, 2023

What sour cream does Chipotle use? ›

Chipotle uses the brand Daisy, so that's what we're using. Put the sour cream in the bowl. All you gotta do is whisk it. Keep whisking until you reach the desired texture.

What does Chipotle mean in English? ›

(tʃiˈpoʊtleɪ ) noun. a kind of chili, or hot pepper, that is a dried and smoked jalapeño: it is used esp. in Mexican cooking. : also chipotle pepper.

What does chipotle-honey vinaigrette taste like? ›

This chipotle vinaigrette is sweet, smoky, and spicy. Use it as a salad dressing, or drizzle it over grilled or roasted veggies, tacos, bowls, and more!

What cheese does Chipotle use? ›

The shredded white cheese that Chipotle uses is commonly known as Monterey Jack. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that melts well when exposed to heat. Chipotle's Monterey Jack cheese is used to make quesadillas and queso dip, and it's happily added to any menu item when asked.

What is a Southwest salad made of? ›

Today's southwestern salad is so super simple and classic – just spicy golden roasted sweet potatoes tossed with sweet corn (fresh or grilled? – you choose), black beans, chopped romaine lettuce, and a cool n' creamy avocado dressing that is packed with cilantro, lime, and other good things.

What is chipotle ranch dressing made of? ›

Made with chipotle peppers, lime juice, herbs, sour cream, and mayonnaise, it has the right amount of zest, herbiness, and tang to dress up a salad or to use as a dip with raw veggies.

Is Chipotle honey vinaigrette vegan? ›

Vegans should avoid our meats, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, queso, sour cream, and chipotle-honey vinaigrette. Our tortillas, vegetables, rice, beans, salsas, chips and guacamole, are vegetarian and vegan.

What is chipotle salad made of? ›

Your choice of meat or sofritas served with our fresh supergreens lettuce blend made of Romaine, Baby Kale, and Baby Spinach. Add beans, queso blanco, salsa, guacamole, sour cream or cheese and top it off with our signature Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette.

What does chipotle sauce contain? ›

Chipotle sauce is made from chipotles in adobo, spices, cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise. All of these ingredients are blended together for a smooth, smoky, slightly spicy sauce your family will love!

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