Low-Fat Tijuana Bean Dip
A creamy, low-fat bean dip with cheesy and spicy flavors, perfect for parties or snacking. It combines refried beans, cheese, green onions, and jalapenos for a flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart dish, combine refried beans, nonfat Cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and chopped jalapeno peppers.
- Cover the dish with a piece of wax paper.
- Microwave on High for 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted, stirring after 2 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomato, salsa or taco sauce, and lemon juice.
- Serve warm with low-fat tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier dip, consider adding more jalapenos or a dash of Mary'S Hot Sauce for extra flavor. You can also substitute the nonfat Cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option. If you want to enhance the flavor, try mixing in some cumin or chili powder. This dip can easily be made a day ahead; just heat it before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Low-Fat Tijuana Bean Dip warm with low-fat tortilla chips for a healthy snack. It also pairs beautifully with Homemade Salsa Sauce for an extra kick. For a festive gathering, consider serving it alongside margaritas or as part of a larger spread of Mexican recipes, including guacamole and fresh veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. If the dip thickens upon cooling, you can add a splash of water or more salsa to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Tijuana Bean Dip contains roughly 28 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance. Combine all the ingredients except for the chopped tomato, salsa, and lemon juice, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply microwave until heated through, then stir in the fresh ingredients.
Is this dip suitable for vegans?
Yes, this dip can easily be made vegan by using a dairy-free cheese substitute. Just ensure that your refried beans are also vegan, as some brands may contain lard or other animal products.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don't have refried beans on hand, you can use black beans or pinto beans that have been mashed. This will give a slightly different texture but will still be delicious. Just make sure to season them to your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).