Chipotle and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Vinaigrette

This salad dressing is made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and red bell peppers and is a true salad game-changer.  Top it over your favorite Mexican-inspired salad and you’ll never return to store-bought dressing.  It’s simple to make, healthy, and delicious.

There are a few local restaurants that serve a chipotle vinaigrette that are absolutely to die for.  Did you know it is easy to make a copycat version?  Run to your grocery store to pick up the simple ingredients and get ready to transform your salad life.  

Why You Need This Chipotle and Roasted Bell Pepper Vinaigrette in Your Life

It’s tasty.  I am not kidding about this dressing taking over your lunchtime game.  You will no longer have to think about what to eat at lunch anymore because your taste buds will remind you of your new favorite dressing.  This red pepper vinaigrette pairs perfectly with a hearty salad.  

It’s healthy.  There’s no doubt that Chipotle restaurants have mastered a similar vinaigrette.  And, while it may be one of the reasons their food is so delicious, it may also be made with unhealthy ingredients. This dressing is made with only natural and wholesome ingredients.  Come on now, salads are meant to be healthy, after all. 

It’s simple.  Who’s got time to invest in an afternoon just to make a salad?  Not me!  That’s why I love an easy blender recipe.  You’ll throw everything in a high-speed blender or food processor and whip it up in minutes.   

How to Serve This Chipotle Dressing

Besides drizzling it over a salad, you can also use it as a sauce for your crock pot meat dishes and in a loaded sandwich.  My favorite way to enjoy this recipe is tossed into a Mexican-styled salad.  Below are the ideal ingredients.

Romain lettuce

Black beans

Fresh corn

Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes

Red onions or caramelized onion

Avocado (or guacamole)

If you are a meat and cheese lover, you could also add chicken breast and feta cheese or pepper jack

Crumbled tortilla chips or toasted quinoa 

Chipotle and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Vinaigrette

What Are The Ingredients?

Extra virgin olive oil-Use a high-quality olive oil for best results.  Honestly, the quality really does matter.  I typically purchase mine from Whole Foods or Sprouts health food stores.

Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar-You can use either type of vinegar, however, I wouldn’t use any other variety such as balsamic vinegar.

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce-You can simply purchase a can of these peppers at your local grocery store.  You will only need 1-2 peppers in total for this recipe.

Roasted red peppers-You will find these at the grocery store in a glass jar.  You won’t use the entire jar so you can save the remaining peppers in the fridge for later use.

Pure maple syrup-This ingredient perfectly sweetens the dressing.  You won’t want to skip this ingredient as it helps to balance out the spicy flavors. 

Garlic-I like to use fresh garlic for this dressing instead of garlic powder.  It really gives it a nice flavor using fresh garlic.

Lime juice-You will first use the lime for zest and then the juice.  I definitely recommend using fresh lime juice and not store-bought.

Spices-This includes cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Water-This is to help thin out the dressing and make it the perfect flavor.

How to Make This Simple Dressing

Step one-​Add all of the ingredients, except the olive oil, to a high-speed blender.  Blend until smooth and creamy.  

Step two-While the motor is running, slowly add the olive oil at the end. I recommend giving it a quick taste test.  If you would like it a little less flavorful, add additional water and blend it again.  Check if you would like to add additional salt. 

Step three-Eat immediately or place it in the fridge for later use.

Tips + Modificaitons

You will want to store the vinaigrette in an airtight container such as a mason jar with a lid.  Place it in the fridge for up to one week.  When you remove it from the fridge, give it a good shake before pouring it onto your salad.

If this is your first time making the vinaigrette and you may not like too much spice, I recommend starting with 1 chipotle pepper first.  Blend in a second after taste testing.  Three peppers are a bit on the spicy side.

Other Yummy Vegan Dressings

I know you will love this Simple Sun-Dried Tomato and Shallot Vinaigrette. It’s great on any type of salad!

If you like easy blender dressings, you have got to try this Carrot Ginger Dressing. It’s truly one of my favorite dressings!

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle