There’s nothing quite like the Subway Southwest sauce. If you’re like me, you order it in your sub each time you go.
So if your idea of the perfect sandwich includes spicy mayo, you’ll love this Subway Southwest Sauce recipe.
After all, Subway knows a thing or two about making great-tasting sandwich spreads.
And their southwest sauce doesn’t disappoint. Since its introduction, this sauce has become a huge fan favorite.
Made with spicy chipotle peppers, this zesty sauce isn’t for the faint of heart.
But the great thing is, since you’re making it at home, you can control the heat – from “OMG, call the fire department” to “I think something tickled my tongue.”
Plus, it’s super easy to put together.
Just toss all the ingredients in a blender, and voila! Your sauce is ready in minutes.
Use it anytime you’re craving that bold southwest flavor – from sandwiches to burgers, even salads.
So if your idea of mayonnaise includes a bit of chipotle, read on for the best Subway Southwest Sauce recipe and some pro tips you can use to make the perfect sauce every time!
What Do You Need To Make Subway Southwest Sauce
Ingredients
Fresh Garlic
Intensifies the flavor of your southwest sauce.
If you don’t have fresh, you can use a teaspoon of garlic powder, though I would avoid using garlic salt as it tends to overpower the other flavors.
Fresh Onion
Adds savory flavor. I like white onion for this recipe for its crisp taste, but feel free to experiment with different types.
Mayonnaise
When it comes to mayo, homemade is always best. However, if you don’t have the time to make it yourself, Helman’s comes closest to the creaminess and taste of homemade.
Sour Cream
Deepens the creaminess and helps balance the spice from the chipotles. For a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt.
Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce
You’ll find them in the ethnic section of your favorite market.
Be sure to include the adobo sauce when adding the chipotles to maximize the flavor.
Smoked Paprika
Gives your sauce an intense smoky taste.
If you don’t like smoke, use regular or sweet paprika.
Honey
Adds sweetness to balance out the heat.
Dijon Mustard
Gives your sauce the perfect tang that goes beautifully with the other ingredients.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acid cuts through the fats in the mayonnaise and sour cream and gives your sauce another dimension of tanginess
Lime Juice
Gives your sauce a delicious citrus zing.
Italian Seasoning
The perfect mixture of herbs to enhance the flavor of your sauce.
Cumin
Brings a rich, earthy taste to your sauce that pairs well with the chipotles.
Salt and Pepper
The final touch, but be careful not to overseason your sauce.
Equipment
- Cutting board and knife
- Blender
How To Make Subway Southwest Sauce
This Subway Southwest Sauce recipe is simple to make and can be ready in just a few minutes.
Step One: First, peel the garlic and quarter the fresh onion.
Step Two: Next, add all the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
Step Three: Taste your sauce, adjust any of the ingredients, and season with salt and pepper.
Step Four: For the best flavor – cover and chill in the fridge for an hour so the flavors can develop. (Optional)
Step Five: Serve your sauce warm or chilled.
Enjoy!
Other Things To Consider When Making Subway Southwest Sauce
Tips and Variations for Making the Perfect Subway Southwest Sauce
- Be sure to include the adobo sauce when adding the chipotles to get the most flavor.
- To decrease the spiciness, cut the amount of chipotles in half.
- For a healthier version, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt.
- Your sauce will thicken as it cools. Add a tablespoon of water to thin it.
- Feel free to use Ranch dressing instead of the mayo and sour cream for a more intense flavor.
- You can make a vegan-friendly version using vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream.
- To enhance the flavor, chill your sauce in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
What Can I Eat with Subway Southwest Sauce
This Subway Southwest Sauce recipe makes the perfect topping for homemade sandwiches and subs.
But with its rich chipotle flavor, you’ll enjoy discovering new ways to use it.
- Add it to quesadillas and tacos instead of traditional hot sauces.
- It makes a delicious southwestern salad dressing.
- Use it as a spicy fry dip or drizzle over roasted potatoes.
- Makes fabulous southwestern wraps.
- Goes great with grilled chicken and fish.
- The perfect sauce for Baja fish tacos.
- Serve as a spicy dip with fresh veggies.
- And a personal favorite – pan-seared tuna served with Subway Southwest sauce. Delicious!
Make More Than You Need
With so many uses, you’ll want to make sure you always have enough.
And since it gets better the longer it sits, go ahead and double the recipe.
Extra sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks, though it never lasts that long at my house. (I believe my record is three days!)
However, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it.
The mayonnaise tends to separate and lose its creaminess after freezing.
Subway Southwest Sauce Recipe

Now you can make your favorite zesty Subway Southwest Sauce at home with this virtually identical Subway Southwest Sauce Recipe. All in under ten minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 cloves of fresh garlic, peeled
- ½ medium white onion, quartered
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 3 tablespoons canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, peel the garlic and quarter the fresh onion.
- Next, add the garlic, onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotles with adobo sauce, smoked paprika, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, Italian seasoning, and cumin to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Taste your sauce and adjust any of the ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- (Optional) Cover and put in the fridge for one hour so the flavors can develop.
- Serve warm or chilled.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of chipotle, use your favorite hot sauce to change the heat.
- Use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce the fat content.
- You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a healthier version.
- Feel free to use regular paprika if you don't want a smoky taste.
- Like it hot? Add more chipotle or a pinch of ground cayenne pepper.
- Don't have honey? Try using maple syrup instead.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro for an earthy flavor and some color.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 100Total Fat: 9gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 160mgCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1g
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Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.