Meatless Monday Challenge

Easy Chipotle Vinaigrette

on April 22, 2021
last updated July 21, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This Chipotle Vinaigrette is smoky, a little bit spicy, and seasoned to perfection to complete your salad or rice bowl, or marinade your veggies or fish in!
closeup of pouring vinaigrette on a salad

Looking for a quick and fun way to spice up your salad or rice bowl? Try this smoky and simple Chipotle Vinaigrette!

Making vinaigrette at home is a great way to eliminate unnecessary preservatives and save some money! In just 5 minutes you can turn your boring salad into a healthy meal that’s bursting with complex flavor. Because eating healthy shouldn’t suck.

chipotle vinaigrette in a crystal bottle sitting in front of a fresh colorful salad

Chipotle Vinaigrette Tips & Tricks



Doubling the Recipe

This recipe is designed to dress 2 or 3 salads. If you need more dressing, you can easily double the recipe. It will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator, so you can choose to double it and keep it in the fridge to keep a delicious vinaigrette on hand.

Green tip: Of all of the billions of metric tons of food waste in the U.S. annually, it is estimated that 50% of it happens at home. Making things in smaller batches is a great way to reduce your personal contribution to food waste.

Use a Heavy-Duty Blender or Food Processor

It takes a little while for the dried chipotle’s to break down. It’s best if it blends into tiny fragments, resembling crushed red pepper.

It’s best to use a food processor or heavy-duty blender. I use this Ninja Blender (affiliate link) to make all of my vinaigrettes, and it works really well to crush the chipotle’s here!

Adjust Your Spice Level

Chipotle peppers are just smoke-dried jalapenos. And while the smoking process does mitigate the spice just a bit, the chipotle’s will still carry a kick. I use 2-3 medium-sized chipotle peppers for a small batch of this vinaigrette, and I would call the result moderately spicy.

If you just want a hint of smokiness and spice, just use one, and if you’re looking for some fire, use up to 5.

You can usually find dried chipotle peppers in the ethnic food section in your grocery store, but you can also order these dried chipotle peppers (affiliate link) that I use for this recipe.

pouring vinaigrette onto a salad

Vinaigrette Frequently Asked Questions



What makes a dressing a vinaigrette?

A dressing is considered a vinaigrette when it includes oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus), and other herbs and/or seasonings.

How long does vinaigrette last?

In an airtight consider and stored in the refrigerator, fresh vinaigrette will last up to two weeks.

Does a vinaigrette have to have vinegar?

No, a dressing or marinade can still be considered a vinaigrette without vinegar as long as it contains something acidic like citrus.

chipotle vinaigrette in a crystal bottle sitting behind a colorful salad

Why You Should Make this Chipotle Vinaigrette



  • It’s quick and easy. Just throw all the ingredients in the blender and there you have it!
  • It’s smoky and spicy. Those chipotles lend the most delicious flavors!
  • It’s all-natural. Making vinaigrette at home means no preservatives!

If you love this Chipotle Vinaigrette and are looking for more delicious vinaigrette inspiration, check out this Raspberry Vinaigrette and this Greek Vinaigrette.

Chipotle Vinaigrette in a small glass cruet on a wooden table with a salad in the background

Chipotle Vinaigrette

5 from 1 vote
Marley Goldin
Pin Print Save Rate
This Chipotle Vinaigrette is smoky, a little bit spicy, and seasoned to perfection to complete your salad or rice bowl, or marinade your veggies or fish in!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 3 dried chipotle peppers
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • teaspoon cumin
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon pepper
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Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until the dried chipotle’s break down into small fragments.
  • Pour over salad or rice bowl and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • If you want your Chipotle Vinaigrette super spicy, you can add more peppers! Using 2-3 will yield a smoky and mildly spicy vinaigrette.
  •  
Course Sauces and Dressings
Cuisine Mexican
Diet Vegan
Keyword 30 Minutes or Less, Chipotle, Easy, Quick, Salad Dressing, Vinaigrette
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