This is a copycat version Chipotle restaurant vinaigrette that you’re going to love. If you’re a fan of Chipotle, you’ll know what this honey dressing is all about.
Today, we’re setting off on a foodie adventure right from the comfort of our kitchens with a recipe that’s probably familiar – the beloved Chipotle Restaurant Vinaigrette.
Imagine the zesty and smoky flavors of your favorite Chipotle Mexican Grill dressing, but made by you! Yes, it’s possible and oh-so-simple.
Whether you’re dressing a salad, sprucing up your taco salad, or giving a flavor boost to your protein of choice, this vinaigrette is your golden ticket.
I’ve been going to Chipotle for years. Their food is a great way to eat healthy, enjoy super tasty food, and get really full all at once, haha!
Seriously, I’ve known several Chipotle employees by name. They’re like, it’s you again! Yep, it’s me! Ha!
Chipotle’s honey vinaigrette is one of my favorite flavors from the restaurant. It’s perfect on a simple green salad or even to spice up some leftover meat.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get mixing! If it’s your first time experiencing Chipotle Restaurant Vinaigrette, you’re in for a treat!
Some of our other favorite copycat recipes we have on our site include: Copycat Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dressing Recipe, Chick-fil-A Copycat Caramel Milkshake with Crumble, and Copycat Grilled Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Ready in a Flash: From start to finish, only 10 minutes stand between you and vinaigrette victory.
- Bursting with Flavor: The unique spicy flavor blend of chipotle peppers, honey, and spices brings an unbeatable smoky-sweet tang.
- You’re the Chef: Want more chipotle chiles? Toss them in! Dial the spice up or down as you wish. We’ve got some easy pantry ingredients here as well to make sure it all goes smoothly.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Cumin
- Black pepper
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Garlic cloves
- Lime
HOW TO MAKE CHIPOTLE RESTAURANT VINAIGRETTE:
- Combine all the ingredients except the olive oil in a blender.
- Blend for 10-20 seconds at high speed.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and blend for 20 more seconds.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
IS THIS A COPYCAT RECIPE?
Yes! It’s inspired by the Chipotle Mexican Grill’s signature honey vinaigrette.
It’s a Chipotle dressing that is super versatile and tasty. I’ve also seen it called a honey chipotle salad dressing and several other slightly different names.
Whatever you call it, this copycat chipotle vinaigrette will have your mouth watering from the first bite!
IS IT SPICY?
It’s got a bit of a kick, thanks to those delightful chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, but it’s totally adjustable.
Everyone has their own tolerance level for spiciness. That’s why I love homemade recipes! You get to decide how much fire you want, haha!
If you’re really looking to kick up the heat (I know some of you are) you could try using a habanero pepper.
Beware though! That is a level of spiciness that most people aren’t ready for, haha!
ANY ADDITIONS?
So many options here that are easily accessed at the grocery store. They’ll go great in your homemade burrito bowls!
- An additional splash of lime juice for extra zing
- A teaspoon of garlic powder for a garlicky twist
- Fresh oregano to enhance the herbal notes
- A dollop of sour cream for a creamy version
- Avocado oil for a different oil base
- Red onion or shallots for a sharp bite
- Fresh cilantro for a herby punch
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Nothing says you have to stick with the official recipe! Make it your own and swap things out as you like.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey
- Apple cider vinegar for a fruitier acid
- Vegetable oil or rice bran oil for a lighter fat
- Lemon zest for an alternate citrus kick
- White wine vinegar for a milder tang
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Keep it in an airtight container or a mason jar. It will stay fresh and tasty for around 5 days.
Freezer: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dressing. It’s all about freshness! The freezer would likely do bad things to it.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Steady Stream: When blending in the olive oil, pour slowly to emulsify beautifully.
- Taste Test: Adjust the adobo sauce and seasonings to find your perfect flavor profile. It’s always a good idea to taste as you go.
- Fresh Squeeze: Always opt for fresh lime juice to really make the vinaigrette pop. You might be surprised at what a difference this makes.
- Give It a Shake: If it separates, no problem! That’s just what this dressing does. A quick shake brings it back together.
- Control the Heat: Start with less chipotle and add more as desired for that spicy kick.
- Make More: It’s so delicious, doubling the recipe means you’re ready for the next meal!
This Chipotle Restaurant Vinaigrette is a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to level up any dish with its rich, smoky, and tangy flavors.
It’s the perfect way to bring the essence of Chipotle’s beloved dressing into your home cooking, adding a professional touch to your salads, bowls, and marinades with a homemade vinaigrette.
This recipe not only brings delicious results but also a fun and easy cooking experience. So why not give it a whirl? Your kitchen is about to get a whole lot more exciting!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this CHIPOTLE RESTAURANT VINAIGRETTE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Copycat Chipotle Restaurant Vinaigrette (Honey Dressing)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 chipotle peppers in the adobo sauce
- 3 small garlic cloves
- juice of one lime fresh squeezed
- 1 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients except the olive oil in a blender.1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 chipotle peppers in the adobo sauce, 3 small garlic cloves, juice of one lime
- Blend for 10-20 seconds at high speed.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and blend for 20 more seconds.1 cup olive oil
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Steady Stream: When blending in the olive oil, pour slowly to emulsify beautifully.
- Taste Test: Adjust the adobo sauce and seasonings to find your perfect flavor profile. It’s always a good idea to taste as you go.
- Fresh Squeeze: Always opt for fresh lime juice to really make the vinaigrette pop. You might be surprised at what a difference this makes.
- Give It a Shake: If it separates, no problem! That’s just what this dressing does. A quick shake brings it back together.
- Control the Heat: Start with less chipotle and add more as desired for that spicy kick.
- Make More: It’s so delicious, doubling the recipe means you’re ready for the next meal!
Leave A Reply!