This is an incredible apple chipotle vinaigrette dressing that’s loaded with flavor to spice up your salads, burrito bowls, wraps, chicken, salmon and more!

You can make this dressing in just a couple minutes! This easy recipe has a spicy and sweet apple flavor you’re going to crave again and again.

A vibrant salad with mixed vegetables on a white plate, a red apple, and a jar of chipotle salad dressing beside a green jalapeño on a marble surface.

While we don’t dine at a lot of chains, one restaurant I’ve got a lot of nostalgia for is Chevy’s. Chris and I used to frequent Chevy’s in our college days!

What’s so great about Chevy’s? Their Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette. It’s amazing, and it nails everything that Tex-Mex food is about! This vinaigrette recipe is fresh and slightly sweet – with a kick.

A small clear glass pitcher full of apple chipotle vinaigrette

With the nearest Chevy’s a long distance away, my catering years in my 20s were spent creating recipes that felt like fresh upgrades on our old favorites. I created this fresh, vibrant version of Chevy’s Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette and I think you’re going to love it!

Whipped this up for dinner, and I’ll be making it over and over. So much flavor!

★★★★★
– aimee –

A clear glass pitcher filled with homemade apple smoothie on a white marble countertop, accompanied by a whole apple and a bottle of chipotle salad dressing.

Shopping List

Copy and paste to add ingredients to your grocery list.

2 Apples
1 Jalapeño
1 Can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
Garlic (Minced)
Fresh Rosemary

Below are items you might already have in your pantry.

Fresh Cracked Pepper
White Granulated Sugar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ingredients

Apples – 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 – For some heat!
Chipotle Peppers – In Adobo sauce! You’ll use two peppers from the can.
White Granulated Sugar – Honey or agave can also be substituted.
Garlic – Learn how to mince garlic. Substitute with store bought minced garlic or even 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
Black Pepper – Just a few cracks of fresh black pepper goes a long way.
Rosemary – Make sure to remove the leaves from the stem before placing in your food processor.
Apple Cider Vinegar – This provides the acidity we need for this vinaigrette.
Olive Oil – Use your favorite Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Pouring chipotle vinaigrette from a glass jar onto a colorful mixed salad on a white plate, with an apple and bell pepper visible in the background.

Test Kitchen Tips

It’s easiest to make vinaigrette in a food processor, but you can make it in a blender as well.
I like my apple chipotle vinaigrette on the mild side, so I remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeño. If you want a spicier salad dressing, simply add half or all of the seeds and ribs. If it’s a little too spicy for your tastes, a squeeze of honey will help mellow it down.
This vinaigrette is thick, thanks to the apples and peppers. While it’s quite pourable, you can thin it down with more oil or vinegar, or simply add a little water.
This recipe will leave you with a leftovers from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Place the remainder of the can in a freezer-safe plastic storage bag, seal, label, and store flat in your freezer for up to 2-3 months.

A golden spoon lifting tomato soup from a white bowl, with a visible mix of herbs and chipotle vinaigrette.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle this dressing over green salad, pasta salad, and your favorite sandwiches. Use it to marinate chicken or fish, too!

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Storage Tips

This vinaigrette should be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake vigorously before serving, as the ingredients might separate during storage.

A colorful dish of mixed salad next to an apple, a green chili pepper, and a jar of chipotle salad dressing, all presented on a marble surface.

5 from 15 votes

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Apple Chipotle Vinaigrette

By Julie Blanner

This is 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

Cook: 0

Total: 10

Servings:

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Ingredients

▢ 2 apples peeled, cored and cubed
▢ 1 small jalapeño seeded and sliced
▢ 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
▢ 2 adobo peppers rinsed (canned)
▢ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
▢ 1 sprig rosemary leaves removed from the stem
▢ ½ cup apple cider vinegar
▢ ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

In a food processor or blender, combine apples, jalapeño, garlic, peppers, sugar, rosemary and pepper. Pulse to combine.
2 apples, 1 small jalapeño, 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar, 2 adobo peppers, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 sprig rosemary
Add vinegar and olive oil. Blend until combined.
½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Toss with greens or refrigerate until serving.

Julie’s Tips

I like my apple chipotle vinaigrette on the mild side, so I remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeños. If you want a spicier salad dressing, simply add half or all of the seeds and ribs.
If you wind up making a vinaigrette that is just too spicy, a squeeze of honey will help mellow it down.
This recipe will leave you with a leftovers from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Place the remainder of the can in a freezer-safe plastic storage bag, seal, label, and store flat in your freezer.