Seven Layer Bean Dip
A flavorful seven-layer bean dip featuring creamy beans, fresh avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and toppings, perfect for parties and gatherings with bold, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 small avocado ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded nonfat or reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the black beans, cilantro, and chili powder in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Spread the bean mixture in a 9-inch deep dish pie pan or a shallow serving dish.
- Peel and finely chop the avocado.
- Toss the chopped avocado with lemon juice and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top of the bean mixture. If you prefer a spicier dip, increase the amount of chopped jalapenos or add a dash of hot sauce. Fresh lime juice can substitute for lemon juice if you want a different citrus flavor. You can also use canned refried beans instead of black beans for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seven layer bean dip with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or on top of a salad for a delicious twist. It pairs beautifully with Black Bean 'N Olive Salsa for a vibrant appetizer. Consider serving alongside Mexican recipes like Tamales De Dulce for a festive gathering. This dip is great for parties or as a game day snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dip in the microwave or oven until heated through, but be careful not to overheat as it may dry out. This dip is also delicious served cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seven Layer Bean Dip contains roughly 489 calories, with 29g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and iron (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% 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 bean dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers of the dip a day in advance. Just keep them separate until you are ready to serve. Assemble the dip and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld, but add fresh toppings like avocado right before serving to keep them from browning.
How can I make this dip vegan?
This recipe is easily adaptable to be vegan. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The other ingredients are naturally vegan, making it a perfect dish for plant-based diets.
What can I serve with the bean dip?
Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but you can also serve the dip with pita chips, sliced cucumbers, or carrot sticks for a healthier option. It also goes well with guacamole or salsa for a more varied appetizer spread.
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).