Name: Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup avocado oil (or grapeseed oil); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 2 Tbsp. honey; 1 chipotle chili pepper (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce); 1 garlic clove; 1/2 tsp. dried oregano; 1/2 tsp. ground cumin; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 63 reviews

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the smoky, tangy zing of that famous fast-casual restaurant dressing right in your own kitchen, this Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe is your new best friend. It balances creamy avocado oil with spicy chipotle peppers, just enough honey for sweetness, and a touch of earthy oregano and cumin to round everything out beautifully. This dressing isn’t just a salad topper; it’s a vibrant splash of flavor that can transform ordinary greens, grilled veggies, or even a simple marinade into crave-worthy bites. Get ready to whip up a batch that’s bursting with personality and downright addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two top views side by side of a clear blender container on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the blender contains three main ingredients: a whole dried red chili, a small piece of garlic, and a mix of oil and spices, all floating in a golden liquid. Surrounding the blender are small white bowls holding more dried red chilies and peeled garlic cloves, along with a glass of amber liquid. On the right side, the blender container now holds a smooth, tan-colored sauce with fine black pepper specks evenly mixed throughout. The surrounding bowls with chilies and garlic, and the glass, stay in the same position. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe calls for surprisingly few ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in creating its signature smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. From the richness of the avocado oil to the punch of chipotle chili, these ingredients come together to create magic in a bottle.

Avocado oil (1/2 cup): Creamy and mild, it provides the perfect smooth base without overpowering the other flavors.
Red wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp acidity that brightens the entire vinaigrette and balances the richness.
Honey (2 Tbsp.): A natural sweetener that softens the heat and ties the flavors together beautifully.
Chipotle chili pepper (1, canned in adobo): The star ingredient delivering that smoky, fiery depth that defines this dressing.
Garlic clove (1): Fresh garlic adds an aromatic layer of warmth and sharpness.
Dried oregano (1/2 tsp.): Offers an herbal note that enhances the southwestern vibe.
Ground cumin (1/2 tsp.): Brings a subtle earthy earthiness that compliments the chipotle pepper perfectly.
Kosher salt (1/2 tsp.): Enhances and balances all the other ingredients.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp.): Adds a gentle heat and complexity.

How to Make Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by assembling everything on your countertop. Open your can of chipotle peppers and remove one chili to use. Having all ingredients at hand will make the blending smooth and fast, so you can enjoy your dressing sooner!

Step 2: Combine in a Blender or Food Processor

Add the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chipotle pepper, garlic clove, dried oregano, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper into a blender or food processor. The blending equipment ensures a perfectly smooth vinaigrette where all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth and Creamy

Pulse or blitz the mixture until you get a creamy, smooth texture. The dressing should be well emulsified, with no chunks of garlic or chili pepper left. If it seems too thick, a splash of water can help you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

This is the fun part—taste your vinaigrette and tweak the seasonings if necessary. Maybe you want a bit more heat? Add a tiny pinch more chipotle or black pepper. Prefer it sweeter? A dribble of honey will do the trick. It’s completely customizable!

How to Serve Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe

A close-up view of a glass jar filled with smooth, light brown mustard sauce speckled with tiny dark red and black spices. A silver spoon is dipped into the jar, showing a thick dollop of the mustard sauce resting on it. In the background, there are glimpses of a white marbled surface, a white dish with a garlic bulb, an open jar of red sauce, and a striped cloth napkin nearby. The scene has soft natural light highlighting the shiny texture of the sauce and the glass jar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This vinaigrette shines brightest when paired with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, toasted pepitas, or even a little crumbled cotija cheese. These accents add texture, freshness, and a pop of color that elevate any salad or dish.

Side Dishes

Drizzle this Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette over grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or a bright corn salad. Its smoky and tangy profile pairs wonderfully with southwestern or Mexican-inspired sides, bringing real excitement to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try using the vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken or shrimp to infuse smoky, tangy notes before grilling. You can also whisk it into grain bowls or as a dipping sauce for warm pita bread. Its versatility means you’re only limited by your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your vinaigrette in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to one week. Just give it a quick shake or stir before each use as the ingredients may slightly separate when chilled.

Freezing

While vinaigrettes don’t freeze very well because the oil can separate or become cloudy, if you want to freeze it, use ice cube trays to portion it out. Thaw cubes in the fridge overnight, then whisk to recombine before serving.

Reheating

This vinaigrette is best served cold or at room temperature. You don’t need to reheat it, but if it’s taken a chill from the fridge, just let it sit out a few minutes or stir vigorously to bring back its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil?

Absolutely! Grapeseed oil is a great neutral alternative that preserves the dressing’s flavor. Olive oil is richer but can alter the vinaigrette’s taste slightly, so choose according to your preference.

How spicy is this dressing? Can I adjust the heat?

The heat mainly comes from the chipotle pepper, which has a smoky medium spice. If you prefer milder, use half a pepper or remove the seeds. For extra fire, add more chipotle or a pinch of cayenne.

Is this vinaigrette suitable for vegans?

Yes, as long as your honey is replaced with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave, this Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe is entirely plant-based.

Can I make this dressing without a blender?

It’s possible to whisk the ingredients together by hand, but you might end up with a chunkier texture and less emulsification. For the smoothest result, a blender or food processor is recommended.

How long does this vinaigrette last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this vinaigrette stays fresh for about one week. Beyond that, the flavors may deteriorate and the oil could start to taste off.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about recreating a beloved restaurant favorite at home, and this Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe nails that smoky, tangy flavor with ease. Whether you’re drizzling it over greens, grilling up some marinated chicken, or just dipping veggies, it adds a brilliant punch that lifts your dishes to another level. Give it a whirl—you might find yourself reaching for this vinaigrette just as often as your favorite takeout spot!

Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need