Crowd-pleasing Mexican 7-layer dip

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In the Kitchen Tips 

• Bean Bonanza: Not sure which beans to use? Pinto beans are the classic choice, but black beans or even kidney beans work great too! For a flavor upgrade, try making your own homemade refried beans — it’s surprisingly easy!
• Guacamole Goodness: Use perfectly ripe avocados (they should yield to gentle pressure) and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
• Pico Perfection: Homemade pico de gallo is a flavor explosion, but store-bought works in a pinch.
• Lettuce or Lime-Kissed Cabbage? Finely chop romaine lettuce for a classic crunch, or shred green cabbage and toss it with lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Spice It Up (or Not): Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your beans for a kick. But if you prefer it mild, feel free to skip the spice!
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dip is a meal prep dream! Prepare the base layers (refried beans, salsa, chopped lettuce) a day in advance, then add fresh guacamole and your favorite toppings right before serving for maximum flavor and freshness.

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FAQ

• Is this 7-layer dip healthy? Yes! Compared to a traditional 7-layer dip, this vegan version is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrients from ingredients like beans, avocado, and fresh vegetables. It’s a healthier alternative that’s lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• What kind of cheese is best for a 7-layer dip? There are many delicious vegan cheeses available! Look for a vegan shredded variety, try this cashew-based nacho cheese for a creamy texture, or this easy cheesyish salsa works amazing too!
• What other toppings can I add to the 7-layer dip? Get creative! You can add chopped jalapeños, green or black olives, green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, diced cabbage, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce.
• How long does this 7-layer dip last in the fridge? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, add the avocado and fresh toppings just before serving.
• Can I freeze this 7-layer dip? It’s not recommended to freeze this dip as the texture of the ingredients can change upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and consistency.

7-layer Dip (Mexican Party Dip) Recipe

Serves: 8
Total Time: 10 Mins

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Ingredients

• 1 cup Homemade Refried Beans or store-bought (1 can refried pinto beans)
• 1 cup Homemade Guacamole or store-bought
• 1/2 cup Homemade Sour Cream or store-bought
• 1 cup Homemade Fresh Roasted Salsa or store-bought
• 1 cup Homemade Pico De Gallo or store-bought
• 1– 2 cups finely chopped lettuce
• (optional) 2 chopped green onions
• (optional) 1/4 cup black olives
• (optional) 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• (optional) 1/4 cup jalapeños
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

Preparation

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. If using canned refried beans, mix in a 1/4 cup of water to soften. I like to warm them in a pan for easier spreading, though it’s optional. Or prepare homemade refried beans.
3. Prepare guacamole if using homemade.
4. Prepare pico de gallo if using homemade.
5. Dice optional ingredients if using.

Assembly

1. Use a serving dish of your choice. A pie dish, bowl, or baking dish works well.
2. First, spread the beans to the edges.
3. Repeat with a layer of guacamole on the beans. (See Notes)
4. Repeat with a layer of salsa on top of the guacamole.
5. Top with the lettuce.
6. Layer the pico de Gallo, black olives, green onion, and cilantro.
7. Serve with homemade or store-bought corn tortilla chips.

Notes

• To make your 7-Layer Dip look stunning, when you add each layer be careful not to completely cover the previous layer leaving it just visible.
• Best if served right away but can be covered and refrigerated for a day or two.
• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes if using pre-made ingredients. Add an additional 10-15 minutes if you're making guacamole or pico de gallo from scratch.

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Celebrate with Flavor (and Friends!)

This vegan 7-layer dip is a celebration of fresh flavors, plant-based goodness, and the fun of sharing delicious food — I’m excited for you to try it! Whether hosting a game day party, potluck, or simply want a delicious snack, this dip is sure to be a hit!

Have fun with it!