This is an incredible Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette that’s loaded with flavor to spice up your salads, burrito bowls, wraps, chicken, salmon and more!

You can make your own chipotle salad dressing in just a couple minutes! This easy recipe has a spicy apple twist you’re going to crave again and again.

apple chipotle vinaigrette recipe in glass bottle with salad on white plate with text overlay
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We don’t tend to dine at a lot of chains, however, one restaurant I can’t get enough of is Chevy’s. Chris and I used to frequent Chevy’s in Columbia, but not long after we moved, it closed.

There also weren’t any in Kansas City. I was delighted when we moved to St. Louis and found a handful of them. What’s so great about Chevy’s? Their Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette. Seriously amazing.

My mom would be beyond surprised to hear that I crave salad now. This Chipotle Vinaigrette recipe is fresh and slightly sweet – with a kick.

With the nearest Chevy’s 25 minutes away and at the request of my sister, I created a copycat recipe for Chevy’s Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette to satisfy any last-minute cravings.

You can whip up this incredible, flavorful Chipotle Salad Dressing in just a couple minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick – Toss ingredients in a food processor, blend and enjoy!
  • Flavorful – Sweet with a little heat!
  • Restaurant Quality at Home!
apple chipotle salad dressing in glass bottle with salad on white plate and gold fork

Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette Ingredients

  • Rosemary – Savory and super aromatic, a little fresh rosemary goes a long way. Just make sure to remove the leaves from the stem before placing in your food processor.
  • Apples – One of the main ingredients that makes this a sweet and savory Chipotle salad dressing. I prefer a sweeter apple variety to balance out the spice, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
  • Jalapeño – This adds the spice factor. I like my apple chipotle vinaigrette on the mild side, so I remove the seeds and ribs. If you want a spicier salad dressing, simply add half or all of the seeds and ribs. A little hint – if you wind up making a vinaigrette that is just too spicy, a squeeze of honey will help mellow it down.
  • Garlic – Another savory aromatic that just makes this homemade salad dressing taste, well, homemade. Raw garlic is strong, so a mere teaspoon of minced is all you need. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have minced garlic, you can substitute with 1 tsp garlic powder instead.
  • Adobo Peppers – Buy a small can of Chipotle in Adobo Sauce in the Global section of your supermarket. Since you only need 2 peppers for this recipe, simply place the remainder of the can in a freezer-safe plastic storage bag, seal, label, and store flat in your freezer for up to 1 month. The next time you need canned Chipotle peppers, simply break off about one tablespoon worth and add it to your recipe.
  • Sugar – Another touch of sweetness to balance out the spice. Honey or agave can also be substituted.
  • Black Pepper – Just a few cracks of fresh black pepper goes a long way. Purchase a small peppermill and whole black peppercorns for the best flavor.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – This rides home the apple flavor. And provides the acidity we need for a salad dressing recipe.
  • Olive Oil – Use your favorite Extra Virgin Olive Oil. We want the fruitiest and freshest olive oil for the best homemade Chipotle vinaigrette recipe.
apple chipotle vinaigrette recipe in glass bottle with salad on white plate

How to Make Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette

  1. Combine – Combine rosemary, sliced apples, jalapeño, garlic, Adobo peppers, sugar and a few cracks of pepper in a food processor.
  2. Purée – Pulse.
  3. Add Vinegar and Olive Oil. Blend until combined.

It’s easiest to make Chipotle Salad Dressing in a food processor, but you can make it in a blender as well. If you don’t have either, finely chop and shake all ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

grilled corn on the cob

Drizzle or toss with grilled corn.

best baked chicken breast for tacos

Use as a chicken marinade.

cropped-best-chicken-wrap.jpg

Toss with chicken for an amazing wrap!

A plate with a salad and a jar of chipotle vinaigrette.

How To Store Chipotle Salad Dressing

I absolutely love these beautiful salad dressing bottles. These are a great option, too!

How Long Does Chipotle Vinaigrette Last?

This easy Chipotle vinaigrette can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container, making fresh lunches a breeze!

This Apple Chipotle vinaigrette recipe is so quick and easy, it’ll add that special touch of sweet and spice you’ve been looking for!

More Vinaigrette Recips

15 Easy Vinaigrette Recipes
apple chipotle vinaigrette in glass bottle next to salad greens on plate recipe in glass bottle with salad on white plate with text overlay
5 from 15 votes

Incredible Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette

An incredible Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette recipe that's loaded with flavor and a spicy apple twist. Use this Chipotle salad dressing to spice up any dish!
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
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Ingredients  

  • 1 sprig rosemary removed from the stem
  • 2 apples peeled, cored and cubed
  • 1 small jalapeño seeded & sliced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 adobo peppers rinsed (canned)
  • 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup olive oil

Instructions 

  • In a food processor, combine rosemary, apples, jalapeño, garlic, peppers, sugar and a few cracks of pepper. Purée.
  • Add vinegar and olive oil. Blend until combined.
  • Toss with greens or refrigerate until serving.

Julie’s Tips

Substitutions and Variations

  • Apples – One of the main ingredients that makes this a sweet and savory Chipotle salad dressing. I prefer a sweeter apple variety to balance out the spice, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
  • Jalapeño – This adds the spice factor. I like my apple chipotle vinaigrette on the mild side, so I remove the seeds and ribs by de-stemming, slicing in half and scooping it out. If you want a spicier salad dressing, simply add half or all of the seeds and ribs. A little hint – if you wind up making a vinaigrette that is just too spicy, a squeeze of honey will help mellow it down. You can substitute poblanos.
  • Garlic – If you’re in a pinch and don’t have minced garlic, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • Adobo Peppers – Buy a small can of Chipotle in Adobo Sauce in the Global section of your supermarket. Since you only need 2 peppers for this recipe, simply place the remainder of the can in a freezer-safe plastic storage bag, seal, label, and store flat in your freezer for up to 1 month. The next time you need canned Chipotle peppers, simply break off about one tablespoon worth and add it to your recipe.
  • Sugar – Honey or agave can also be used.
Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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27 Comments

    1. Honestly, it’s so full of flavor, I just usually enjoy it on a bed of lettuce. Cheese and corn make great additions.