7 Layer Dip: The Ultimate Layered Mexican Party Dip
This no-bake 7 Layer Dip is a colorful fiesta in a dish—creamy, chunky, fresh, and endlessly crowd-pleasing for your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 can refried beans try Rosarita or Old El Paso; for extra flavor, stir in ¼ tsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup guacamole store-bought works—Wholly Guacamole is a great pick—or fresh mashed avocado with lime juice
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt whole milk Greek yogurt for ultra-creamy texture
- 1 cup chunky salsa mild, medium, or hot—reserving a spoonful for topping if you like more zing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar brings extra tang; you can also mix Monterey Jack
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives drained, for salty bite
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced white and green parts separated for color
- 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced Roma or vine-ripened; gently pat dry to avoid soggy layers
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped optional—bright herbal notes
- Tortilla chips or multigrain dippers for serving
Instructions
- Stir the refried beans in a bowl with a splash of warm water (or leftover bean juice) until slightly loose—this makes spreading smooth.
- In a 9×13-inch glass dish or shallow serving bowl, gently spoon and smooth the bean dip into an even layer, pressing lightly to compact.
- Carefully dollop guacamole in soft peaks over the beans, then spread with a flat spatula or knife to create a green blanket.
- Whisk sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with a pinch of salt and a bit of lime zest, then spoon over the avocado, smoothing into an even, pale sheet—this keeps flavors balanced.
- Gently spread chunky salsa on top; if it’s runny, drain excess liquid with a paper towel first. This helps prevent sogginess.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack evenly so that every scoop gets a gooey pull later.
- Scatter olives, diced tomatoes, green onion whites, cilantro, and green tops for a festival of colors and tastes.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes so flavors marry—this step is key for a cohesive party dip.
- Bring to the table with sturdy tortilla chips or veggie sticks; encourage guests to scoop from the edge to keep layers intact.
Notes
I learned that layering order matters—especially keeping juicy salsa above dairy prevents sogginess below. If you skip the chill step, flavors feel a bit flat, so don’t rush it. When I tested this in November, I swapped cheddar for queso fresco and nearly fell over—in a good way. Use a clear glass dish to show off those layers; it’s part of the appeal! And, honestly, let your guests have a moment of “ooh” before you break into it.
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