This chipotle mayo is a smoky, creamy sauce like the secret sauce served at Mexican restaurants. It’s quick and easy to make and is delicious with just about everything, from tacos to dipping fries! We have a jar of this condiment in the fridge at all times.
What Makes Chipotle Mayo So Good
- The flavor is unbelievable! Oh, chipotle mayo is so delicious it’s almost hard to put it into words. It’s creamy and tangy, with a little kick of chipotle and a pop of citrus. If you’ve ever eaten Mexican food and wondered what that amazing sauce is, this is it!
- It’s so easy to make, and you can double or triple it with no problems. The ingredients are simple – mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, and salt. Toss it all in a blender and blend away! You can refrigerate the mayo in an airtight container and it’ll keep up to 10 days!
- Chipotle mayo goes with just about everything! Seriously. Add it to burgers or burger bowls, burritos, nachos, fish tacos, or just use it as a dipping sauce for French fries or onion rings!
Key Ingredients for Chipotle Mayo
Mayo – Any type of mayonnaise will work in this recipe. I recommend using a full-fat mayonnaise, though. Lower fat options tend to include added sugars to make up for the lack of fat, and the extra processing can take out some of the nutrients. You could also use sour cream instead if you prefer it. For a vegan chipotle mayo, use a vegan mayonnaise!
Chipotle Peppers – If you’re new to chipotle peppers, or if you’re just not sure how hot you want your mayo to be, start with just a half pepper. You can always add more and make it hotter. If your chipotle mayo ends up too spicy, you can calm it down by adding a little more mayo. For a really mild chipotle mayo, skip the pepper altogether and just use 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce.
Adobo Sauce – This is a real two birds, one stone ingredient. You’ll typically find chipotle peppers in a can of adobo sauce, and that’s exactly what you’ll want for this chipotle mayo! I only used 1 teaspoon but you can use as much as you like. Just add it gradually and taste it as you go to make sure you haven’t added too much.
Chef’s Tips
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce will give you the best flavor, but if you don’t have that handy and want to make a batch of chipotle mayo before your next grocery run, use a little chipotle powder instead! Start with just ½ teaspoon (leaving out the chipotle pepper and adobo) then taste and add more as desired.
- If you can, use fresh lime juice. I think it tastes so much better and brighter than the bottled kind! Of course, bottled will work. Wondering how much juice is in a lime? It can range from 1 tablespoon up to 3 tablespoons, all depending on the size of your lime!
- For an extra flavor depth, add a little smoked paprika. The chipotle peppers and adobo sauce give the chipotle mayo a rich smokiness all on their own, but the extra flavor from the smoked paprika can be nice!
Try These Other Delicious Sauces, Too
- Creamy Sriracha Mayo (Only 2 Ingredients!)
- Eel Sauce
- Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing
- 5-Ingredient Spicy Mayo
- One Minute Whole30 Mayo (Made with Immersion Blender)
- Whole30 Ranch Dressing (“Dump Ranch,” Paleo, Dairy-Free)
- Tangy Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing
- Homemade Taco Sauce
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Chipotle Mayo
Equipment
- Blender (or bowl and whisk)
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise see Notes
- 1-2 teaspoons lime juice to taste
- 1 big pinch salt plus more to taste
- 1 small clove garlic optional
- 1 whole chipotle pepper from can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, see Notes
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Instructions
- For the Blender: Add all ingredients to blender and blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled.For a Bowl & Whisk: Finely chop chipotle pepper and mince garlic. Add all ingredients to bowl and whisk until combined. Taste and adjust as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
- Chipotle Pepper: You could also use ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (plus more to taste) in place of the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce.
- Make it Vegan: Use a vegan mayonnaise.
Nutrition
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Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She’s been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.
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