Skip store-bought — this vegetarian Layered Taco Dip is a lightened-up riff on the classic seven-layer dip. Made without cream cheese, my tasty taco dip recipe is loaded with good-for-you ingredients like refried beans (homemade or canned),Greek yogurt, quick guacamole, and loads of chopped veggies. Gotta love a no-cook appetizer that’s ready in 20 minutes from start to finish!
Is it even a party if you don't have a layered taco dip?
Layered taco dip is one of those classic party appetizers you can always count on to be a hit. When you make something new and different, you get nervous about whether it will turn out and if your guests will like it. But taco dip? Guaranteed winner!
While everyone has their own opinions about what goes into each layer, I think we can all agree that it always starts with creamy refried beans (I love our homemade refried beans recipe). Then I add sour cream and yogurt, a quick homemade guac, followed by cheese, tomatoes, and other taco toppings.
Note that this is a layered taco dip recipe, HNL style. Ever a nutritionist, I've lightened it up by using a mix of Greek yogurt and sour cream (this is taco dip without cream cheese), homemade refried beans, and lots of veggies. I've experimented with different proportions of yogurt and sour cream, and while 50/50 is my go-to, you can certainly use 100% Greek yogurt or 100% sour cream depending on your preferences.
This layered bean dip recipe is one of my favorite appetizer and snack recipes because it's so simple to throw together, everyone loves it, and it's actually pretty healthy with a few simple swaps. Load your favorite veggies on top, and you're good to go.
Are you ready for this?!
How to Make a Layered Taco Dip
This isn't rocket science, my friends! And you will of course find detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of the post. Nevertheless, let's walk through it step-by-step!
Layer 1: refried beans
First things first - if you're using canned beans, stir together the refried beans and taco seasoning; start with a tablespoon and add more if desired. Using homemade refried beans? You can skip the additional seasoning.
Spread the refried beans into the bottom of a serving dish.
Layers 2 + 3
Cut the avocados in half, then mash them with a fork. Stir in the lime juice, minced cilantro, and salt, then season with additional salt to taste.
Mix the sour cream and Greek yogurt in a small bowl.
Add the sour cream mixture and spread it on top of the beans, followed by the avocado.
Layer 4: cheese!
Sprinkle on the shredded cheese.
Layers 5, 6 + 7
Add the tomatoes and olives...
Followed by the scallions and cilantro.
That's it! How easy was that?
Now you're ready to serve your layered taco dip, but I like to give it an hour or so to chill out in the fridge. I just feel like it's tastier that way.
If you’re serving this dip for a party, you can leave it out for up to 2 hours. I recommend setting the serving dish on a tray of ice to keep it food safe if you want to have it out longer than that.
How to Store Leftover Layered Taco Dip
Leftover layered taco dip will last tightly covered in the serving dish or in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Note that it will begin to get watery as the tomatoes will release their juices over time and the liquid from the sour cream layer may also start to separate. You can still eat taco dip when this happens, it’s just not quite as fresh. Also the avocado layer may brown, so it’s best eaten within a day or two.
With the fresh ingredients in this recipe, it’s not a good idea to freeze it. When thawed, it’s likely to be watery and the fresh ingredients will be mushy.
Layered Taco Dip
Ingredients
- 1 15- ounce can refried beans or scant 2 cups of homemade refried beans
- 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning optional - see notes
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup full-fat Greek yoghurt
- 2 large avocados nice ripe ones
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons finely minced cilantro
- ½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded (or tex mex cheese)
- 2 medium roma tomatoes diced (or 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes)
- ½ cup sliced black olives drained well
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- If you are using canned refried beans, start by mixing the beans with the taco seasoning. Start with one tablespoon, give them a taste, and decide if you want to add more. If you're starting with homemade refried beans that are already seasoned, you can likely skip the taco seasoning.1 15- ounce can refried beans, 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
- Halve the avocados, and finely mash with a fork. Add the lime juice, minced cilantro, and sea salt. Give it a taste and add a little extra salt if you like.2 large avocados, 1 Tablespoon lime juice, 2 Tablespoons finely minced cilantro, ½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
- Mix the sour cream and Greek yogurt together in a small bowl.½ cup sour cream, ½ cup full-fat Greek yoghurt
- Spread the refried beans into the bottom of a serving dish. It should create a layer about ½ inch thick.
- Spread the Greek yogurt mixture on top of the beans, followed by the avocado.
- Scatter the cheese on top of the avocado, followed by the tomatoes, olives, scallions, and cilantro.1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, 2 medium roma tomatoes, ½ cup sliced black olives, 2 scallions, 2 Tablespoons cilantro
- Serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies to scoop up the dip.
Notes
- Nutrition values are an estimate only
- Leftover layered taco dip will last tightly covered in the serving dish or in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
- Note that it will begin to get watery as the tomatoes will release their juices over time and the liquid from the sour cream layer may also start to separate. You can still eat taco dip when this happens, it’s just not quite as fresh.
- Also, the avocado layer may brown, so it’s best eaten within a day or two.
- With the fresh ingredients in this recipe, it’s not a good idea to freeze it. When thawed, it’s likely to be watery and the fresh ingredients will be mushy.
Nutrition
Other recipes you might enjoy
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Bean and Cheese Tacos
Chickpea Fritters
Air Fryer Falafel
Italian Rice Balls
Bennett says
A family favorite in our household! It's an app, or in a pinch, an entire meal when we serve it with some veggies on the side.