Homemade Chipotle Lime Mayonnaise

Enjoy a creamy blend of chipotle and lime in this smoky, tangy mayo perfect for adding zest to tacos, sandwiches, or grilled veggies. Fresh lime juice and zest, smoky peppers, and a hint of garlic meld with a classic emulsion base for rich flavor and velvety texture. Quick and easy to make, this versatile condiment pairs beautifully with seafood, roasted vegetables, or as a bold dipping sauce. Adjust the chipotle for more heat or lime for extra zing, and let the flavors come together in the fridge before serving.

Updated on Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:51:28 GMT
Creamy chipotle lime mayonnaise with smoky heat and zesty lime in a glass jar. Pin It
Creamy chipotle lime mayonnaise with smoky heat and zesty lime in a glass jar. | orbitcuisine.com

Homemade chipotle lime mayonnaise is a delightful blend of creamy richness, smoky heat, and bright citrus tang. This easy-to-make sauce transforms everyday meals into flavorful experiences, whether spread on tacos, slathered on sandwiches, or drizzled over grilled vegetables. With just a handful of simple ingredients and in under 10 minutes, you can create a versatile condiment that adds a punch of Mexican-inspired flair to your dishes.

Creamy chipotle lime mayonnaise with smoky heat and zesty lime in a glass jar. Pin It
Creamy chipotle lime mayonnaise with smoky heat and zesty lime in a glass jar. | orbitcuisine.com

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The creamy texture of this mayo pairs wonderfully with smoky chipotle’s understated heat, while the fresh lime juice and zest brighten every bite. It’s a fresh take on traditional mayonnaise that elevates your homemade meals with a burst of vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) neutral oil (canola, sunflower, or light olive oil)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (plus more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Zest of 1 lime

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lime juice, vinegar, and salt until smooth.
2. While whisking constantly, very slowly drizzle in the oil, starting with just a few drops at a time until the mixture emulsifies and thickens. Once it begins to thicken, you can add the oil in a thin, steady stream while whisking vigorously.
3. When all oil is incorporated and the mayonnaise is thick and creamy, whisk in the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, and lime zest.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lime juice or salt as desired.
5. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best emulsion, make sure your egg yolk is at room temperature before starting. Drizzle the oil very slowly at first to prevent breaking the mayo. If it becomes too thick, you can whisk in a little warm water to loosen the texture.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

To tone down the heat, use only one chipotle pepper or skip the adobo sauce. Add extra lime juice if you prefer a tangier flavor profile. This sauce is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian but contains egg and mustard allergens.

Serviervorschläge

This chipotle lime mayo is a fantastic topping for fish or shrimp tacos, a zesty spread for sandwiches, or a flavorful drizzle over grilled vegetables. Store it refrigerated and consume within 5 days for optimal freshness.

Homemade chipotle lime mayonnaise, a tangy, smoky spread perfect for tacos and sandwiches. Pin It
Homemade chipotle lime mayonnaise, a tangy, smoky spread perfect for tacos and sandwiches. | orbitcuisine.com

With its easy preparation and bold, balanced flavors, this chipotle lime mayonnaise is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you use it to complement your favorite tacos or add a creamy kick to grilled veggies, it brings a fresh and smoky zest that enhances any meal.

Recipe Q&A

What’s the best oil to use for creamy chipotle lime mayo?

Choose a neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or light olive oil for a balanced texture and flavor.

How can I adjust the heat in the spread?

Use fewer chipotle peppers or omit the adobo sauce for milder flavor, or add more for extra smokiness and spice.

What’s the ideal way to serve this chipotle lime mayo?

It’s excellent on tacos, sandwiches, burgers, or as a dip for roasted or grilled vegetables and fries.

How long can I store the mayo?

Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days for the best taste and safety.

Can I make this without eggs for a vegan option?

Try substituting the egg yolk with aquafaba or vegan mayo as a base, then follow with the same flavorings.

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Homemade Chipotle Lime Mayonnaise

Creamy, smoky mayo with chipotle, garlic, and zesty lime for tacos, sandwiches, or grilled vegetables.

Prep Time
10 mins
0
Time Needed
10 mins
Created by Benjamin Ward


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Portions 8 Makes

Diet Info Meat-Free, No Dairy, No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You Need

Base

01 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
02 1 cup neutral oil such as canola, sunflower, or light olive oil
03 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus more to taste
05 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
06 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Flavorings

01 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
02 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from chipotle can
03 1 small garlic clove, minced
04 Zest of 1 lime

Steps

Step 01

Prepare the Emulsification Base: Combine egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lime juice, white wine vinegar, and sea salt in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and consistent.

Step 02

Incorporate Oil Gradually: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle the neutral oil into the mixture—beginning with just a few drops at a time until emulsified. Once the mixture thickens, continue adding oil in a steady, thin stream while maintaining vigorous whisking, until fully incorporated and thickened.

Step 03

Add Flavors: Fold in the finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, and lime zest. Whisk the mixture until evenly blended.

Step 04

Final Seasoning Adjustment: Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, adding additional lime juice or sea salt as desired.

Step 05

Refrigerate to Meld Flavors: Transfer the mayonnaise to an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

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Tools You'll Need

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Microplane or fine grater
  • Airtight container

Allergen Details

Review the ingredients list for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional with any concerns.
  • Contains egg and mustard. Verify chipotle in adobo and Dijon mustard labels for potential allergens such as gluten, depending on brand.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Details are for guidance only and shouldn’t replace advice from your doctor.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Proteins: 0 g

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