Vegan Chipotle Dressing Recipe

This creamy, smoky Vegan Chipotle Dressing Recipe is made with raw cashews, chipotle peppers in adobo, and fresh lime juice, and ready in 10 minutes. The moment you blend it, the pale ingredients transform into a vibrant, fiery orange sauce that coats the back of a spoon perfectly. I keep a jar of this in my fridge almost every week.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

Getting the right balance of heat and creaminess without dairy was initially a struggle for me. I tried using just vegan mayo at first, but the texture felt too heavy and masking for the bold peppers.

Switching to soaked raw cashews completely fixed the consistency issue. It provides that rich, neutral base that lets the smoky adobo sauce shine through properly.

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Vegan Chipotle Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup water (plus more for thinning)
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

How To Make Vegan Chipotle Dressing Recipe

1. Soak the Cashews: Place the raw cashews in a heat-safe bowl and cover them with boiling water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked cashews, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, water, garlic, salt, and maple syrup to a high-speed blender.
3. Blend the Dressing: Blend on high for about two minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and no cashew pieces remain.
4. Adjust the Consistency: Check the thickness and add extra water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.

Recipe Tips

• Soak cashews thoroughly: Soft cashews are essential for a silky texture, so do not skip the hot water soak.
• Adjust the heat: Start with just one chipotle pepper if you are sensitive to spice, then taste and add the second if needed.
• Scrape the sides: Pause the blender halfway through to scrape down the sides so all ingredients blend evenly.

What To Serve With Vegan Chipotle Dressing

This dressing pairs incredibly well with hearty burrito bowls loaded with black beans and roasted corn. You can also drizzle it over crispy potato wedges, roasted cauliflower tacos, or a simple crisp green salad.

How To Store

Store the dressing in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to five days. It will thicken slightly as it chills, so you may need to stir in a splash of water before serving. Freezing is not recommended as the cashew base can separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use vegan mayonnaise instead of cashews?

Yes, you can substitute one cup of vegan mayonnaise for the cashews and water. Keep in mind this will make the dressing slightly richer and tangier.

Is adobo sauce gluten-free?

Most canned chipotle peppers in adobo are gluten-free, but always check the specific brand label to be sure. Some brands use vinegar derived from gluten-containing grains.

How can I make this dressing sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter profile, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar before blending. This helps balance out the intense heat of the peppers.

Nutrition

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
• Protein: 3 g