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Fresh, smoky, and a little spicy—this Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette is the bold, flavorful dressing your tacos, salads, bowls, and grilled veggies have been waiting for! It comes together in minutes and brings the perfect balance of tangy lime, smoky chipotle, and just a touch of honeyed sweetness.
The Best Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette
When your family loves the Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette as much as mine does, you know I had to try making a copycat version at home. And if you know me, you know I’m always up for a good restaurant dupe—and this one’s another win!
This smoky Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette brings that same bold, tangy-sweet flavor we all crave, but with simple, wholesome ingredients you can pronounce. No mystery fillers—just real, clean flavor that’s perfect drizzled over taco salads, burrito bowls, grilled shrimp, or roasted veggies.
Here’s why this is a go-to in my kitchen:
❥ It’s fresh and flavorful: Smoky, citrusy, and just a little sweet—the combo is magic.
❥ Comes together in 5 minutes: Everything goes right in the blender—no chopping, no mess.
❥ Incredibly versatile: Great as a dressing or marinade, especially for Tex-Mex favorites.
NikkiIngredient for Chipotle Vinaigrette
- Fresh Lime Juice – Bright and tangy; gives the dressing its zesty kick.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – Smoky, spicy, and rich; adds that signature bold flavor.
- Avocado Oil – Mild and buttery; lets the other flavors shine.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity.
- Cumin – Warm and earthy; brings in that Tex-Mex depth.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances and ties all the flavors together.
How To Make Chipotle Vinaigrette
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: Add everything to the blender
Add lime juice, chipotle peppers in adobo, avocado oil, honey, cumin, and salt to your blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend until smooth
Pulse until well combined and the peppers are finely chopped. This usually takes about 30 seconds.
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Step 3: Taste and adjust
Taste and adjust the spice, salt, or lime if needed. Want it a little sweeter or tangier? You’re the boss!
Step 4: Store and shake
Pour into a mason jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and shake well before each use.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it creamy: Blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream to turn it into a creamy chipotle lime dressing.
- Tone down the heat: Use just 1 tablespoon of chipotle or scrape out the seeds for a milder version.
- Swap the oil: Avocado oil is my favorite for its smooth, neutral flavor, but light olive oil works too.
- Add garlic: A small clove of fresh garlic adds a nice kick if you want a bolder flavor.
- No honey? Try agave or a pinch of brown sugar instead.
- More Heat: Try using Hot Honey for a Hot Honey Vinaigrette
- Optional: Mexican Oregano: A small pinch adds a citrusy, slightly herbal note that plays well with the lime and cumin.
Recipe FAQs
It has a little kick, but it’s more smoky than super hot. The chipotle peppers bring that warm, bold flavor—use less for a milder dressing or more if you like it spicy. The honey helps mellow it out, so it’s flavorful without being too fiery. Of course the more peppers you add the spicer it is.
A food processor works great too. No gadgets? Just finely chop the chipotle peppers and whisk everything together—or use a mortar and pestle to mash them into a paste first. It won’t be as silky smooth, but the flavor still shines..
Absolutely! It’s fantastic on chicken, shrimp, or even roasted veggies. Just marinate for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
What to Serve with Honey Chipotle Dressing
This dressing is super versatile—here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- Mexican Chopped Salad: The perfect match—fresh, crunchy, and loaded with color. This dressing was made for it! Or Drizzle over a simple mixed green salad with avocado and grilled corn.
- Taco Bowls or Chipotle Style Bowls: Drizzle it over rice, beans, grilled chicken or steak, and all your favorite toppings.
- Veggies: Toss warm roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini with a splash of this vinaigrette for a smoky‑citrus finish.
- Chicken or Shrimp Marinade: Use it as a marinade for grilled shrimp or chicken—let the protein soak for ~15‑30 minutes, then grill.
- Corn: Drizzle over grilled corn or mix into a corn salad for a smoky, zesty twist.
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Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons chipotle peppers with adobo sauce
- ½ cup avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- To a blender or in a food processor: lime juice, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce,avocado oil, honey, cumin, and kosher salt. Pulse until well combined and peppers are finely chopped.
- Pour into a mason jar or salad dressing jar with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
- When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and shake vigorously to combine.
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