Creamy Vegan Seven Layer Dip

If you ask me, seven layer dip is one of the best party foods ever created.

This Mexican-inspired appetizer brings together all the flavors we love, stacked into neat, colorful layers that look as good as they taste. Black beans, guacamole, and dairy-free sour cream create a creamy base, while fresh tomatoes and lettuce add a nice crunch.

It’s topped with black olives and green onions, plus a sprinkle of dairy-free cheese that melts perfectly into the warm layers below. Each scoop delivers the perfect bite of classic Mexican flavors, minus any animal products.

It’s a crowd-pleasing snack that even non-vegans love, perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.

What Kind of Refried Beans Should I Use?

When shopping for refried beans, make sure to check the label carefully since traditional versions often contain lard or other animal products. Most major brands now offer vegetarian refried beans made with vegetable oils instead, which work perfectly for this dip. You can choose between pinto or black refried beans – pinto beans give you that classic Mexican restaurant taste, while black beans add a slightly earthier flavor. If you’re watching your sodium, look for low-sodium versions, as you can always add salt to taste later. And here’s a helpful tip: warming the beans slightly before spreading them makes them much easier to work with as your first layer.

Options for Substitutions

This vegan dip is super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Refried beans: You can use black beans or pinto beans mashed with some Mexican seasonings instead of canned refried beans. Just mash them with a fork and add some garlic powder and cumin.
• Vegan cheese spread: If you can’t find vegan cheese spread, try using cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water until smooth) or make a quick sauce with nutritional yeast, plant milk, and cornstarch.
• Guacamole: Making your own is great, but store-bought works too. You can also just mash avocados with lime juice and salt if you’re short on time.
• Bell pepper: Any color bell pepper works fine, or swap it for diced jicama or celery for a different kind of crunch.
• Black olives: Skip these if you’re not a fan, or try using chopped pickled jalapeños or green olives for a different flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes work just as well. In winter, you might want to use drained canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t great.
• Red onion: White onion or green onions make good substitutes. If using white onion, soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce the sharp taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making seven layer dip is preventing it from becoming watery, which can happen if you don’t drain your salsa well or if your guacamole isn’t properly prepared – take an extra minute to strain excess liquid from your salsa and pat dry your chopped vegetables before adding them to the layers. A common mistake is rushing the layering process, which can lead to messy, mixed-up layers – instead, take your time to carefully spread each component, chilling the dip for 15-20 minutes between layers to help them set. To keep your avocado layer from browning, make sure to add plenty of lime juice and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface if you’re making it ahead of time. For the best texture and presentation, let your vegan cheese spread come to room temperature before spreading, and consider using a clear glass dish to show off those beautiful layers.

What to Serve With Seven Layer Dip?

This crowd-pleasing dip needs the perfect dipping companions to make your snacking experience complete! Tortilla chips are the classic choice – I like using the scoop-shaped ones since they hold more of those tasty layers. For a healthier spin, set out some fresh veggie dippers like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or mini sweet peppers. You can also serve warm corn or flour tortillas on the side if you want to turn this into more of a meal. If you’re hosting a party, consider putting out some Mexican-inspired sides like elote (Mexican street corn) or black bean and corn salad to round out the spread.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your seven layer dip will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To prevent the avocado layer from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip before putting the lid on – this helps keep the air out!

Make Ahead: Want to prep this dip in advance? You can make most layers up to 24 hours ahead, but I recommend adding the guacamole and fresh toppings like tomatoes and cilantro just before serving. This keeps everything looking and tasting fresh. The refried beans and vegan cheese layers actually taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld!

Serving Tip: When taking the dip out of the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps soften the layers and brings out all the flavors. If you notice any liquid pooling on top, just dab it gently with a paper towel.

Preparation Time	15-30 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	15-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2100
• Protein: 35-45 g
• Fat: 130-150 g
• Carbohydrates: 180-200 g

Ingredients

• 1 can (16 ounces) vegetarian refried beans
• 3/4 cup vegan cheese spread with hot water as needed
• 1 cup of your preferred guacamole
• 1 cup of your choice of salsa or pico de gallo
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, diced (optional)
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 2 ripe avocados
• Juice of 1 medium lime
• A pinch of sea salt
• 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Layer

Scoop out 3/4 cup of spreadable Mexican Cheese into a bowl.

Whisk in very hot water, about 1/2 cup, until the mixture has a queso-like consistency.

Adjust the water amount as needed depending on your batch size.

If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you can use a Cashew-less Vegan Queso instead.

Step 2: Make the Guacamole

In another bowl, mash all the ingredients needed for guacamole together.

Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more lime juice, salt, or cilantro as desired.

This step allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

Step 3: Prepare the Pico de Gallo

If you’re making fresh pico de gallo, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them well.

Alternatively, you can opt for your favorite pre-made salsa to save time and add a familiar flavor to your dip.

Step 4: Assemble the Seven-Layer Dip

To assemble the dip, begin by spreading out a layer of vegetarian refried beans on the bottom of your serving dish.

Follow with a layer of the prepared cheese mixture, then a layer of guacamole.

Next, spread the pico de gallo or salsa over the guacamole, and top with sliced bell pepper, followed by a layer of black olives.

Finish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and vibrant color.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the dip immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and refrigerate if you plan to serve it later.

This dish can be made up to 1 day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Pair it with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or your other favorite dippers.

Enjoy your delicious and colorful layered dip!