This creamy, smoky Copycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce Recipe is made with mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo, and lime juice, and ready in 5 minutes. Watching the sauce turn vibrant orange as the smoky peppers blend into the base is incredibly satisfying. I keep a jar of this in my fridge to make standard sandwiches taste incredible.
Better Than Takeaway
I used to visit the sandwich shop just to ask for extra sauce on my turkey subs. Making it at home proved surprisingly simple, requiring only basic pantry spices and canned chipotles.
The biggest mistake I made initially was adding too much adobo sauce, which completely overpowered the mayonnaise. I learned that starting with just one pepper creates the exact balance of heat and creaminess you expect.
Jump to RecipeCopycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (plus 1 teaspoon of the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

How To Make Copycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce Recipe
- Combine Base Ingredients: Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, and chipotle pepper into a food processor or blender.
- Add Flavorings: Squeeze in the lime juice, then add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Blend Until Smooth: Pulse the mixture on high speed for about 30 seconds until the pepper is completely pureed and the sauce turns pale orange.
- Chill Before Serving: Transfer the sauce to a glass jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.


Recipe Tips
- Control the heat: Chipotle peppers vary in spice level. Start with half a pepper if you prefer a milder sauce, and taste before adding more.
- Let it rest: The flavors intensify significantly after chilling. Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the best results.
- Use real mayonnaise: Avoid sweet salad dressings or low-fat mayonnaise substitutes, as they alter the authentic texture and tanginess.
What To Serve With Chipotle Southwest Sauce
This smoky condiment is fantastic drizzled over turkey and provolone sandwiches or chicken wraps. It also works as a vibrant dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables, or crispy chicken tenders.

How To Store
Store the sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Do not freeze this sauce, as the mayonnaise will separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use chipotle powder instead of canned peppers?
Yes, you can substitute one teaspoon of chipotle powder for the canned pepper. However, you will miss a bit of the tangy depth that the adobo sauce provides.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
You can swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives. The texture might be slightly thinner, but the smoky flavor will remain intact.
Why is my sauce too runny?
Blending the mixture for too long can sometimes heat the mayonnaise and cause it to thin out. Chilling it in the fridge will help it thicken back up.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Protein: 1g
Copycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce Recipe
10
servings5
minutes5
minutesCopycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce Recipe delivers creamy, smoky flavor using simple pantry staples and canned chipotles in just 5 minutes. This quick condiment brings restaurant-quality heat to your everyday sandwiches, wraps, and dipping platters with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (plus 1 teaspoon of the sauce)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Combine Base Ingredients: Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, and chipotle pepper into a food processor or blender.
- Add Flavorings: Squeeze in the lime juice, then add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Blend Until Smooth: Pulse the mixture on high speed for about 30 seconds until the pepper is completely pureed and the sauce turns pale orange.
- Chill Before Serving: Transfer the sauce to a glass jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
