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Why I Love Chipotle Mayo
There are some recipes that are less about fuss and more about making dinner feel finished, and this chipotle mayo is exactly that recipe. It comes together in one bowl in just 5 minutes — maybe even less — but it adds so much to a plate: some smoky heat, fresh lime flavor, and a little sweetness. Taken together, it makes everything taste brighter and more complete.
This is the type of sauce I love to keep on hand during the summer months because, without fail, I end up always using it as the finishing touch on any number of things! A burger off the grill, a tray of roasted potatoes or other veggies, and even my zucchini and sweet corn fritters all feel a little more special with a spoonful of this on the side.
Here’s why you’ll love this sauce:
- Takes just 5 minutes to make!
- Creamy, smoky, tangy, and lightly sweet, all with simple pantry ingredients.
- Works as a dip, spread, or drizzle.
- Perfect to make ahead so it’s all ready in the fridge when you need that finishing touch for a quick meal.
Chipotle Mayo Ingredients
You only need 7 ingredients (with 1 being optional) to make this chipotle mayo:
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that gives the sauce body and makes sure the smoky heat is smooth and balanced. Rather than buying it, you can make your own mayonnaise at home!
- Chipotle powder – Brings the signature smoky spice and adds bold flavor to the sauce.
- Mexican oregano – Adds an earthy, slightly citrusy note that rounds everything out.
- Garlic – Makes sure the sauce doesn’t taste flat!
- Lime juice – Adds a fresh pop that makes the sauce feel super flavorful.
- Honey – An optional addition, but a little honey does soften the heat and ties the smoky and tangy flavors together.
- Kosher salt – Brings out the flavor of the entire sauce.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chipotle Mayo
There are 2 super simple steps to make this chipotle mayo sauce:
Combine – In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, chipotle powder, Mexican oregano, crushed garlic, lime juice, honey, and salt.
Mix – Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and evenly combined. Taste and adjust if needed, adding a bit more lime for brightness or a pinch more chipotle powder for extra heat. Serve right away, or refrigerate until ready to use.
Recipe Tips
- Crush the garlic finely – The finer the garlic, the more evenly it blends into the sauce. Since we’re whisking this sauce rather than blending it with an immersion blender, you want smooth ingredients.
- Whisk until glossy – When the sauce looks smooth and silky, you know everything is fully incorporated.
- Adjust the heat slowly – Chipotle powder can build as it sits, so add more a little at a time. If you’re averse to spice, start off by adding a little less chipotle powder (you can always add more later).
- Thin it for drizzling – Stir in a teaspoon or two of water or extra lime juice if you want a looser sauce for tacos and bowls.
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
Serving – This sauce is especially good spooned onto burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, fish tacos, burrito bowls, roasted sweet potatoes, or a pile of freshly made fries. I like to spoon it into a small bowl, swirl the top with the back of a spoon, and finish with a light sprinkle of chipotle powder for a simple yet polished look.
Storage – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, stir gently to ensure everything is still well-mixed.
More Sauce Recipes
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Chipotle Mayo
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp honey (optional)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, chipotle powder, Mexican oregano, garlic, lime juice, honey (if using), and salt.1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp chipotle powder, 1 tsp Mexican oregano, 1 clove garlic, 2 tsp fresh lime juice, 2 tsp honey (optional), ½ tsp kosher salt
- Mix: Whisk until the mixture is smooth, then serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
