A smoky, sweet, and tangy dressing that adds bold flavor to salads, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. Perfectly balanced with the heat of chipotle, the richness of avocado oil, and the bright acidity of lime juice and vinegar, this vinaigrette brings a dynamic touch to a variety of dishes. Whether used as a dressing, marinade, or dip, it’s a versatile condiment that can be made in minutes and stored for later use.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chipotle peppers in adobo deliver an unmistakable smoky depth, allowing for heat customization depending on personal preference. Honey balances the spice with its natural sweetness, creating a delightful contrast. Red wine vinegar and fresh lime juice provide acidity, brightening the overall flavor profile and cutting through the richness. Avocado oil, or any neutral oil, binds everything together, ensuring a smooth, well-emulsified consistency. Garlic infuses a robust, savory undertone, while dried oregano adds a subtle herbaceous note. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper tie all the ingredients together, enhancing every layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing the Ingredients
Before blending, ensure all ingredients are properly measured for consistency. Chipotle peppers can vary in heat intensity, so adjusting their quantity is key to achieving the desired spice level. For a milder vinaigrette, remove the seeds from the peppers before blending.
Blending the Dressing
In a high-speed blender, combine the avocado oil, honey, lime juice, red wine vinegar, chipotle peppers, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture becomes silky smooth, emulsified, and takes on a vibrant orange hue. Over-blending can break down the emulsion, so blending just until smooth is recommended.
Adjusting Seasoning and Texture
After blending, transfer the dressing to a bowl or airtight container and stir in the dried oregano. This allows the herbaceous flavor to bloom without getting overprocessed. Taste and adjust seasoning by incorporating more salt, pepper, or adobo sauce to suit personal preference. Letting the dressing sit for a few minutes before serving enhances the depth of flavor.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Customizing the spice level:
Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers. Removing seeds can help tone down the intensity.
Achieving the perfect consistency:
If the vinaigrette is too thick, add a splash of water or extra vinegar. If too thin, a bit more honey or oil can help thicken it.
Oil alternatives:
Olive oil or grapeseed oil can be used in place of avocado oil, though they will impart a slightly different flavor.
Enhancing flavor:
Adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika deepens the smoky profile.
Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using.
What if I don’t have a blender?
A food processor or an immersion blender works well. If neither is available, finely mince the chipotle peppers and whisk everything together vigorously.
Can I substitute honey for another sweetener?
Agave or maple syrup work as great alternatives, each adding a slightly different sweetness.
Is this dressing keto-friendly?
To make it keto-friendly, swap the honey for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with crisp salads, bringing a smoky-sweet balance to fresh greens. It works wonders as a marinade for grilled meats and seafood, adding a robust depth of flavor. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables to enhance their natural caramelization, or use it as a zesty topping for tacos and burritos. Whether used as a dressing or dip, this vinaigrette adds an irresistible kick to any dish.
This Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette is an essential addition to any kitchen, delivering bold, smoky heat balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Its versatility makes it a go-to dressing for salads, marinades, and roasted dishes, ensuring every meal is packed with flavor. Experiment with ingredient variations to make it your own and enjoy a homemade dressing that’s both simple and sensational.
Ingredients
2 chipotle peppers in adobo, plus extra adobo sauce for added heat
1/2 cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil of choice)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Blend the Dressing:
In a high-speed blender, combine the avocado oil, honey, lime juice, red wine vinegar, chipotle peppers, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture becomes silky smooth and takes on a vibrant orange hue.
Adjust and Serve:
Pour the vinaigrette into a mixing bowl or an airtight container. Stir in the dried oregano, allowing its earthy aroma to infuse the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning by incorporating more salt, pepper, or adobo sauce to match your preferred level of heat and depth of flavor.
Storage:
Transfer the vinaigrette into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use to redistribute the flavors.
Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo plus extra adobo sauce for added heat
- 1/2 cup avocado oil or any neutral oil of choice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove peeled
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Blend the Dressing:
- In a high-speed blender, combine the avocado oil, honey, lime juice, red wine vinegar, chipotle peppers, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture becomes silky smooth and takes on a vibrant orange hue.
Adjust and Serve:
- Pour the vinaigrette into a mixing bowl or an airtight container. Stir in the dried oregano, allowing its earthy aroma to infuse the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning by incorporating more salt, pepper, or adobo sauce to match your preferred level of heat and depth of flavor.
Storage:
- Transfer the vinaigrette into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use to redistribute the flavors.
