Name: 7 Layer Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups refried beans (about 1-can); 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup cream cheese; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 lime (juiced); 3 small hass avocados (mashed); ¼ cup red onion; Salt and pepper; 1 ½ cup shredded Monterey jack; 1 cup chunky tomato salsa; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 cup grape tomatoes (quartered); ¼ cup black olives (sliced); Chips (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Add Preferred Source

Ready in 15 minutes, this quick and easy 7-Layer Dip is sure to be a hit at your next party. It’s simple to put together and brimming with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a great choice for a fun and tasty snack. Every scoop serves up a delicious blend of textures and tastes that’ll keep everyone dipping back for more!

Why you will love making 7 Layer Taco Dip

This 7-layer dip is not just delicious—it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Here’s why you’ll want to get layering:

Customizable: Swap in your favorites or work with what you’ve got on hand.
No cooking required: Just layer and serve. Perfect for those last-minute plans!
Always a hit: Watch it disappear as fast as you put it out.
Healthy-ish: Packed with ingredients like avocados and tomatoes, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Fun to assemble: Layering up the ingredients can be a creative and enjoyable process. Almost as fun as eating it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

Ingredients for a 7 Layer Dip, including pepper, taco seasoning, cream cheese, sour cream, lettuce, avocados, chips, tomato salsa, onions, salt, refried beans, lime, Monterey Jack cheese, black olives and grape tomatoes. — 7 Layer Dip Ingredients. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

How to make 7 Layer Dip with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Here’s how you can easily assemble this dip and become the hero of your next gathering.

Layer 1: Refried Beans

Start by spreading a can of refried beans across the bottom of your serving dish. This layer provides a hearty base that holds up the layers above.

Layer 2: Sour Cream Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and the juice of one lime until smooth.

Dollop and spread this mixture over the beans.

Layer 3: Guacamole

Mash up some ripe avocados and mix them with chopped red onion, salt, and pepper.

A bowl of guacamole with chopped red onions, salt, and pepper on top sits invitingly, reminiscent of a 7 Layer Dip. A spoon is placed in the bowl, ready for scooping. Surrounding the bowl are various fresh food ingredients. — Mix the mashed avocados with red onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Spread this layer over the sour cream mixture for a creamy, rich texture.

Layer 4: Salsa

Add a layer of chunky tomato salsa next. This not only gives a juicy bite but also adds a nice acidity that balances the creaminess of the other ingredients.

Layer 5: Lettuce

Shredded lettuce adds a crisp, fresh element. Just sprinkle it evenly over the salsa.

Layer 6: Tomatoes

Scatter quartered grape tomatoes on top for a burst of color and freshness.

A bowl of salad with chopped lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes on a light-colored surface, reminiscent of the vibrant layers found in a 7 Layer Dip. — Scatter quartered grape tomatoes on top. Sprinkle the cheese and black olives over them.

Layer 7: Cheese and Black Olives

Now, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and finish off with sliced black olives. Their salty flavor contrasts perfectly with the fresh and creamy layers below.

Once all the layers are assembled, you’re ready! Serve the dip with a big bowl of tortilla chips and enjoy!

7 Layer Dip

Author: Mandy Applegate

Ready in 15 minutes, this quick and easy 7-Layer Dip is sure to be a hit at your next party. It's simple to put together and brimming with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a great choice for a fun and tasty snack. Every scoop serves up a delicious blend of textures and tastes that’ll keep everyone dipping back for more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Add Preferred Source

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Course: Dips

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: 7 layer dip

Servings:

Calories: 413kcal

Ingredients

1 ½ cups refried beans about 1-can
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cream cheese
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 lime juiced
3 small hass avocados mashed
¼ cup red onion
Salt and pepper
1 ½ cup shredded Monterey jack
1 cup chunky tomato salsa
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup grape tomatoes quartered
¼ cup black olives sliced
Chips for serving

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and lime.
1 cup sour cream, 1 cup cream cheese, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 lime
In another bowl, mash the avocados and combine with red onion, salt, and pepper.
3 small hass avocados, ¼ cup red onion, Salt and pepper
Layer a tray with refried beans, sour cream mixture, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, olives and cheese.
1 ½ cup shredded Monterey jack, 1 cup chunky tomato salsa, 2 cups shredded lettuce, 1 cup grape tomatoes, ¼ cup black olives, 1 ½ cups refried beans
Serve with corn chips.
Chips

Notes

Let it chill: Give your dip some time in the fridge before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Keep it colorful: Choose vibrant, fresh ingredients to make each layer pop visually.
Season each layer: Don’t shy away from adding a pinch of salt or a dash of lime juice to individual layers to enhance their flavors.
Presentation: Use a clear dish for layering if you can. It shows off all your hard work and makes for a pretty presentation.
Beans: Black beans or a bean salad mix can be a great alternative if you want to switch things up from traditional refried beans.
Cheese: Use other shredded cheese like cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese if you prefer.
Mix it up: Feel free to add other ingredients like corn, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
Add heat: Add some diced jalapeños to the guacamole or salsa layers, or sprinkle some chili flakes on top for extra heat.
Meat Layer: Cooked ground beef or shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices makes a great addition if you’re looking for a heartier dip.
Make Ahead: Assembling your dip a day ahead can actually help the flavors meld together really well. Just cover it tightly and keep it chilled.

Storage Instructions

Airtight Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Refrigerate: Store the dip in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this dip. The texture of many of the layers, like guacamole and sour cream, will change significantly after thawing.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are some pro tips to make your 7-layer dip not just good, but great:

Let it chill: Give your dip some time in the fridge before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Keep it colorful: Choose vibrant, fresh ingredients to make each layer pop visually.
Season each layer: Don’t shy away from adding a pinch of salt or a dash of lime juice to individual layers to enhance their flavors.
Presentation: Use a clear dish for layering if you can. It shows off all your hard work and makes for a pretty presentation.
Beans: Black beans or a bean salad mix can be a great alternative if you want to switch things up from traditional refried beans.
Cheese: Use other shredded cheese like cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese if you prefer.
Mix it up: Feel free to add other ingredients like corn, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
Add heat: Add some diced jalapeños to the guacamole or salsa layers, or sprinkle some chili flakes on top for extra heat.
Meat Layer: Cooked ground beef or shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices makes a great addition if you’re looking for a heartier dip.
Make Ahead: Assembling your dip a day ahead can actually help the flavors meld together really well. Just cover it tightly and keep it chilled.

How to Store Leftover 7 Layer Bean Dip

Got leftovers? No problem. Storing your 7-layer dip correctly means you can enjoy it even after the party’s over. Here’s the best way to keep it fresh:

Airtight Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Refrigerate: Store the dip in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this dip. The texture of many of the layers, like guacamole and sour cream, will change significantly after thawing.

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Making a delicious 7-layer dip doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some simple ways to save a few bucks while still serving up a fantastic dish:

Swap sour cream for yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a budget-friendly, protein-packed alternative.
Shred your own cheese: Buying blocks of cheese and shredding it yourself is usually cheaper than pre-shredded.
Buy frozen avocado: Some stores offer frozen avocado chunks, which can be cheaper and last longer.

What to Serve with this 7 Layer Dip recipe

Pairing your 7-layer dip with the right sides can turn it from a simple appetizer into a show-stopping centerpiece. Here’s what works well:

Chips and Crisps

The classic partner to any dip—tortilla chips. Opt for the sturdy ones that can handle a hearty scoop without breaking. Corn chips like Fritos also work really well.

Cut Veggies

For a healthier option, surround your dip with a rainbow of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber slices. They add crunch and freshness.

Breads

Pita bread or crusty baguettes sliced thinly are a delicious alternative for those who might prefer something other than chips. Cut the slices to be similar to the size of chips for easy scooping.

Mexican 7 Layer Dip