Have you tried the incredibly delicious Mendocino Farms Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe? This smoky, tangy chipotle salad dressing can transform any salad or bowl into a flavor explosion.
If you love the chipotle flavor but need help getting to a Mendocino Farms location, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading for an easy copycat recipe to make authentic Mendocino Farms chipotle vinaigrette right at home.
Making your own vinaigrette with chipotle peppers lets you customize the spice level and flavor. You’ll fall in love with this versatile dressing on salads, tacos, grilled meats, and more. Plus, it stores easily, so you can have chipotle vinaigrette whenever you want!
What Makes This Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe So Flavorful?
This recipe features a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. Here’s what gives this dressing its addictive flavor profile:
Chipotle chile peppers – These smoked jalapeños provide deep, earthy heat. The chipotles are roasted for intensified flavor.
Garlic – Minced garlic adds a punch of savory aroma.
Lime juice – Fresh lime juice provides a bright acidity to balance the chiles.
Cilantro – Chopped cilantro leaves give a fresh herbal note.
Spices like cumin – Warm spices complement the smokiness.
Olive oil and vinegar – The classic vinaigrette base unites the ingredients.
Honey or agave nectar – A touch of sweetness balances the acid and chiles.
Once mixed, these ingredients create an irresistible elixir of flavors. Smoky, spicy, herbal, and tangy all in one. Let’s get started on recreating this magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Chipotle Vinaigrette
Making chipotle vinaigrette at home is easy because you likely have most of the Mendocino Farms salad dressing ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 chipotle chiles from chipotles in an adobo saucepan
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons of lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar. if you don’t have then add champagne vinegar
One-fourth cup of olive oil or avocado oil
1 tablespoon of honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
I recommend using chipotle canned in adobo sauce for the deepest flavor. You can adjust the number of chiles depending on how spicy you want the dressing.
Beyond the chipotles, it’s just a classic vinaigrette base of oil, acid, and seasonings. Now, let’s put it all together!
How to Make Mendocino Farms Copycat Chipotle Vinaigrette- Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this Chipotle vinaigrette hack or steps to make a flavorful, spicy chipotle vinaigrette dressing at home, just like the delicious one from Mendocino Farms.
1) Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, you’ll need to gather the ingredients mentioned above.
2) Add Ingredients to Your Blender
Once you have everything prepped, add the chipotles, garlic, lime juice, vinegar, cumin, and sweetener to your blender or food processor.
3) Puree the Ingredients
Blend the puree at a high speed until the mixture is smooth, pausing occasionally to scrape the sides.
4) Stream in the Oil
With the motor continuing to run, slowly pour in the olive oil or avocado oil. Drizzle it in steadily as the mixture blends. This incorporates the oil smoothly for a thick vinaigrette.
5) Fold in Cilantro
Add the chopped cilantro and pulse it gently a few times just to distribute throughout the dressing. Be careful not to over-blend it into tiny flecks. Some bigger pieces are desirable.
6) Season with Salt and Pepper
Taste the chipotle vinaigrette and season to preference with salt and ground black pepper. Start with 1/4 teaspoon salt and increase the amount as desired.
7) Transfer the Vinaigrette to a Jar or Container
Finally, pour your fresh homemade chipotle vinaigrette into an airtight container or a mason jar. Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Now, drizzle this smoky, spicy dressing over your favorite salads, grilled meats, tacos, and more! Enjoy your flavorful Mendocino Farms copycat chipotle vinaigrette.
Salad and Serving Ideas for Homemade Chipotle Dressing
Here are a few ways I love to use this copycat Chipotle dressing:
Taco salad – Drizzle over lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado and tortilla chips. Top with grilled chicken or beef.
Grilled chicken salad – Toss with mixed greens, chicken breast, roasted peppers and corn. So flavorful!
Avocado quinoa salad – Dress up quinoa, spinach, cucumbers, avocado and feta. The chipotle pairs perfectly with creamy avocado.
Fajita bowls – Swap in for your usual hot sauce on bowls with rice, beans, peppers, and onions.
Fish tacos – Slather on grilled or blackened white fish, then add cabbage, pico, and a squeeze of lime.
Sandwiches and burgers – Spread on turkey sandwiches for a kick, or add spice to your next burger.
Roasted veggies – Toss potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and more with this dressing.
The smoky spice transforms even basic salads into something special. Make a double batch because this versatile dressing will become a staple!
Tips for Storing and Customizing Your Homemade Dressing
One of the best things about DIY dressing is tailoring the flavor. Here are some tips:
Store this in an airtight container for 5-7 days in a refrigenrator. The flavors meld over time.
Add less chipotles and adobo sauce for a milder heat. Or amp it up with extra smoked jalapeños.
Swap the vinegar – red wine, champagne, sherry, and balsamic all work.
Use olive, avocado, or walnut oil for different flavor notes.
Throw in extra spices like smoked paprika or ancho chile powder.
Replace some of the cilantro with basil, mint, or parsley.
For creamier dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for 1/4 of the oil.
This Mendocino Farms Krunchies recipe is highly customizable, so play with it! The basic method remains the same.
Trans Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 150mg Total Carbohydrate: 1g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g Protein: 0g
The nutrition facts provided are estimates based on the ingredients listed in the recipe. Nutritional information does not account for any alterations or substitutions made to the recipe. Consult your health provider for nutritional advice.
As you can see, two tablespoons of this chipotle vinaigrette comes out to around 90 calories per Serving. The majority of the calories come from the olive oil in the recipe. This dressing contains sodium, mainly from the chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mendocino Farms Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe Chicken
How long does homemade chipotle dressing last?
It will be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. The flavors continue to meld and improve over time.
Can I freeze chipotle vinaigrette?
Yes, it freezes very well for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. Stir it/shake to re-emulsify.
What oil is best for chipotle vinaigrette?
Olive and avocado oils are my top picks, but any neutral oil will work. Olive oil gives a nice peppery finish.
How do I make this dressing thicker?
Let it sit for 30 minutes after making it thicken up. Chilling also helps. Or whisk in a teaspoon of mustard.
Can I use regular jalapeños instead of chipotles?
Smoked chipotles have a unique flavor, but you can substitute 2-3 seeded jalapeños in a pinch.
What salad dressings are similar to chipotle vinaigrette?
Try chimichurri, caesar, Greek, green goddess, or creamy ranch for a different take.
What protein goes with Chipotle dressing?
It’s fantastic on chicken, steak, fish, shrimp, tofu – you name it! The smoky spice pairs well with meat.
Final Words
Mendocino Farms chipotle vinaigrette is worth recreating at home. The smoky, spicy dressing takes salads and more to the next level.
With pantry staples and 5 minutes, you can blend up a flavorful chipotle vinaigrette. Store it to have on hand whenever cravings strike!
Let me know if you try this easy Chipotle dressing recipe. I hope you love it as much as I do. Enjoy adding smoke and spice to your meals with this Mendocino Farms copycat.
