Healthy Chipotle Salsa Salad Dressing Recipe

This chipotle lime yogurt dressing is my secret weapon for elevating any salad, adding the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that make my taste buds dance. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and keeps me feeling like a culinary genius all week long!

My Chipotle Salsa Salad Dressing is as healthy as it is flavorful. It’s basically a creamy, spicy, salad-inspiring wonder, combining Greek yogurt, adobo sauce, a chipotle pepper, lime juice, and honey.

Here are some nutritional stats [for 2 tablespoons of dressing]:

• Calories: 45

• Protein: 4 g

• Total fat: 1 g (with 0.2 g saturated fat and 0 g trans fat; yes, it’s low fat and low saturated fat!)

• Total carbohydrates: 6 g (with 4 g fiber and 2 g sugar; again, it may taste sweet, but it’s mostly fiber and not very many grams of sugar at all!)

• Total sodium: 105 mg

Ingredients

Greek Yogurt:
Rich in protein, smooth and dense, gives a sharpness, increases calcium consumption.

Adobo Sauce:
Flavor that is smoky, has heat, and is made with vinegar and spices.

Chipotle Pepper:
Provides smoky heat, rich in antioxidants, adds depth of flavor.

Lime Juice:
Tangy and citrusy, superb source of vitamin C, boosts flavor.

Honey:
Sweetness is inherent, harmony reigns.

Spices—like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper—can offer tremendous health benefits, but they’re most effective when balanced with natural sweetness, which helps disperse the spices throughout the body.

That natural sweetness can come from many sources—fruit, honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or the very real ground components of an actual spice blend.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotles
• 1 chipotle pepper from the can, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl of medium size, combine the Greek yogurt, adobo sauce, and finely chopped chipotle pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are well blended.

2. Incorporate fresh lime juice and olive oil to the blend. Whisk until the resulting liquid is smooth and creamy.

3. Mix the honey in thoroughly with the other ingredients.

4. Introduce the ground cumin and garlic powder to the bowl. Mix until the spices are completely embedded.

5. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.

6. Should you wish, you can take the fresh cilantro and chop it finely before folding it into the dressing to give it that extra dimension of flavor.

7. Put the dressing in a jar that seals. An airtight container will also work. You can use the dressing for any flavor of salad, and it will keep for a week.

8. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least 30 minutes after refrigerating the dressing.

9. Before serving, shake or stir the dressing until all ingredients are well blended. The ingredients may separate while the dressing sits in the refrigerator.

10. Pour the chipotle salsa dressing over your top salad, or use it to dunk your veggies. This slightly smoky, slightly spicy dressing is simple yet packs a punch with flavor.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Airtight jar or container
7. Spoon or spatula for stirring
8. Citrus juicer (optional, for fresh lime juice)

FAQ

• Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?Certainly! You can use standard yogurt, but the dressing has a thicker and creamier texture when made with Greek yogurt.
• How spicy is this dressing?The dressing imparts a gentle warmth to the dish, thanks to the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. If you like your dressing a little more zesty, just add more of the chipotle pepper or adobo. Like it a little less zesty? Add a little less of these two ingredients to the dressing.
• What can I use instead of lime juice?
  Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice for a slightly different, but still refreshing, flavor.
• Can I make this dressing in advance?This dressing can indeed be prepared ahead of time and kept in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for as long as a week.
• Is there a vegan substitute for Greek yogurt?A yogurt alternative that is dairy-free can be used to make this dressing for a vegan version.
• Can I omit the cilantro?Definitely. Cilantro is not necessary and can be omitted if its taste does not appeal to you.

Substitutions and Variations

For Greek yogurt: substitute with 1 cup of sour cream for a creamier taste.
Adobo sauce: For a spicier kick, use 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce.
For chipotle pepper: substitute with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a milder, smoky taste.
For lime juice: substitute with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a slightly varied citrus flavor.
To sweeten with honey, utilize 1 tablespoon of maple syrup as a natural, alternative sweetener.

Pro Tips

1. Adjust Heat Level If you prefer a milder dressing, start with half a chipotle pepper and taste before adding more. Conversely, if you enjoy a spicier kick, include an extra pepper or more adobo sauce.

2. Creamier Texture For an even creamier texture, blend the dressing using an immersion blender or food processor. This will help emulsify the ingredients for a smoother, more cohesive blend.

3. Balance the Flavors Taste the dressing as you go to ensure a balance between the heat of the chipotle, the acidity of the lime, and the sweetness of the honey. Adjust each of these elements to suit your personal preference.

4. Marinate Option Consider using this dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp. The acidity and spices can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

5. Herb Variations While cilantro is optional, other fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be used to add a different flavor profile. Play around with the herbs depending on what salad or dish you’re serving.