If you love the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette is for you. This combination keeps things interesting with each bite – a little sweet here, a subtle spice there – making every dish feel more special.
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Chipotle honey vinaigrette recipe
Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette is a popular dressing known for its tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The vinaigrette combines a variety of ingredients to create its distinctive taste.

The smoky kick from the chipotle peppers pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of honey, balanced by a touch of tangy vinegar to bring everything together.
The honey vinaigrette chipotle represents a fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions. Now, it has become the mainstream favorite, particularly after popular restaurant chains introduced their versions.
This vinaigrette can be used as a salad dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce. For salads, drizzle it over greens, roasted veggies, pasta, or grain-based salads like quinoa and farro. It pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. As a marinade, it’s great for chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.
For dips, you can blend it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for tacos, nachos, or burritos. Mix it with mayonnaise for a zesty sandwich spread. You can adjust the thickness based on use: thinner for marinades, thicker for dipping.
This is how to make the chipotle honey vinaigrette:

Chipotle honey vinaigrette
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adjust for spice level, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl or blender, combine all ingredients: olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, chipotle peppers, lime juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
- Blend or whisk until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before each use.
Variations
There are many versions of this honey chipotle salad dressing. Here are some ideas you can try:
- Creamy Honey Chipotle Vinaigrette
- Add 1/2 cup sour cream, nonfat Greek yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt
- Work well on salads, tacos, and wraps
- Spicy Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette adds 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for extra heat. This version is great for those who enjoy a kick in their dressings
- Lightened-up Version:
- Substitute olive oil with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce and reduce the oil to 1/4 cup.
- Use a sugar substitute or reduce the honey/maple syrup to 1 teaspoon.
- Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan Version uses agave instead of honey
- Low Calorie Option uses light oil to reduce calories