Updated in 2025! This spicy, dairy-free chipotle mayonnaise (or aioli) is a favorite zesty spread for veggie burgers, turkey burgers, French fries, sweet potato fries, dairy-free potato skins, and even dipping artichokes. It takes seconds to make, and uses simple spices and a whisk. There’s no need to open a can of chipotles or bust out your blender.
Dairy-Free Chipotle Mayonnaise or Spicy Aioli!
This easy chipotle mayo blends warm chipotle powder, zesty lime, and generous pinches of salt and garlic into creamy mayonnaise for a condiment with endless possibilities. But despite it’s simplicity, I do have some options and notes on the key ingredients.
Chipotle Powder vs Chipotles in Adobo
I love chipotles in adobo sauce, don’t get me wrong. But every time I open one of those cans, most of it inevitably goes to waste. I end up using just a little for a recipe, and forget about the rest in the refrigerator. Those potent chilis also tend to stain everything they touch with fiery heat. So I often turn to chipotle powder (sometimes called chipotle chile pepper) instead. It’s dry, easy to have on hand, and a little goes a long way. It’s got more smokiness and richness than cayenne, and is spicier than ordinary chili powder. Don’t worry, I’ve included a non-spicy option in the recipe notes, too!
Isn’t Mayonnaise Always Dairy Free?
It’s tempting to say yes, but it isn’t always dairy free. In the U.S., all of the plain mayonnaises that we’ve seen are made without dairy. But some brands outside of the U.S. do contain milk. And it isn’t uncommon to see a flavored mayonnaise or aioli that contains milk. In fact, I’ve run into a few chipotle mayonnaises (in stores and at restaurants) that have dairy added.
Regular vs Vegan Mayo
I prefer to use “real” mayonnaise for the most seamless flavor and consistency. Vegan mayonnaise is a great option when you have egg-free needs, but keep in mind that the flavor and consistency of different vegan brands can vary quite a bit. I’ve also found that vegan mayo often thins more readily. That is, when you add any liquid (like the lime juice), it will thin more than regular mayo does.
Special Diet Notes: Spicy Chipotle Mayonnaise
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, optionally egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, optionally soy-free, optionally vegan, and vegetarian.
Dairy-Free Chipotle Mayonnaise
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. It will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Notes
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Serving Suggestions
- Rice Bowls: Thin it with a little water and another squeeze of lime juice. Drizzle over rice bowls with chicken or beans, sauteed peppers and onions, and avocado.
- Burgers: Slather on buns and enjoy with turkey burgers, beef burgers, buffalo burgers, black bean burgers, or other Southwestern-style vegan veggie burgers.
- Fish Tacos: Bake or pan-fry mahi mahi, cod, or other flaky white fish. Serve in taco-size tortillas topped with a dollop of this chipotle mayo, strips of cabbage or lettuce, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Wraps: Slather this dairy-free chipotle mayo on a tortilla and top with seasoned chicken and black beans, a dairy-free fish stick, or leftover steak. Add your favorite veggie toppings, which could include baby spinach, sauteed or roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, corn, avocado, or slaw. We often just use premade slaw mix! Fold the sides over and tightly roll up.
Also Try our Lemon Herb Mayo Recipe!
2 Comments
I have never come across a mayonnaise with dairy in it!?! I do not consider eggs as dairy. Am I mistaken?
Plain mayonnaise, no, I have not seen one in the U.S. with dairy (I have in other countries). But I have seen flavored mayonnaise and aioli products with dairy. That’s why I specified that this one is dairy-free. As noted, if you need egg-free (eggs are not dairy) you can use the vegan option. But if you are just dairy-free, regular mayo is fine. Both are given as options in the recipe. This is just a quick condiment to enjoy!