Copycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce Recipe
Learn how to make the iconic Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce at home with this easy copycat recipe. Creamy, smoky, and tangy, it's perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and dipping your favorite snacks!
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Every recipe on this site is tested at least 3 times in my home kitchen before publishing. I've been developing sauce recipes for over 8 years, focusing on restaurant-quality results with everyday ingredients. Learn more about me →
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup mayonnaise
- •2 tablespoons sour cream
- •1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely minced, with some sauce)
- •1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- •1 teaspoon white vinegar
- •1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- •1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- •1/4 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
- 2
Add the minced chipotle peppers in adobo (with some sauce) and mix thoroughly.
- 3
Stir in the Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and fresh lime juice.
- 4
Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using).
- 5
Whisk all ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and well blended.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning: add more chipotle for heat, sugar for sweetness, or lime juice for extra tang.
- 7
Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container.
- 8
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- 9
Stir before serving. Enjoy on sandwiches, wraps, salads, or as a dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- • For a smoother sauce, blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
- • Letting the sauce chill for at least an hour deepens the flavors.
- • Adjust chipotle and adobo to taste for more or less heat.
- • Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
- • Try this sauce as a salad dressing by thinning it with a tablespoon of milk or water.
Storage
- • Refrigerator: Up to 1-2 weeks in airtight container
- • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge)
- • Best Practice: Store in glass jars for longer freshness
Recipe Variations
- • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- • Add chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh herbal kick.
- • Swap in vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream for a plant-based sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is this sauce?
The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level, similar to Subway’s. Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo to make it spicier or milder.
Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative or extra mayo for a dairy-free version.
How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the sauce will keep for up to 1 week. Stir before each use.
Can I freeze this sauce?
It isn’t recommended to freeze mayo-based sauces, as the texture may separate when thawed.
What else can I use this sauce for?
Try it as a dip for fries or veggies, a spread on burgers, or as a dressing for salads and grain bowls.
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