Mexican 7 Layer Taco Dip is an easy, no-cook appetizer made with refried beans, homemade guacamole, seasoned sour cream, lettuce, Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and black olives. Serve it with a big bowl of tortilla chips, and dig in.
This Mexican layered dip takes just 15 minutes to put together. No cooking is involved, and you don't need any special equipment. Just mix a few ingredients, layer everything, and you're done.
It's a great recipe to have on hand for parties, game day, potlucks, or any time you need a quick appetizer. And with seven different layers, there's a little something in every scoop.
How To Make Mexican 7 Layer Taco Dip
The nice thing about this Mexican 7 Layer Taco Dip is how simple it is to put together. Most of the ingredients are ready to use right out of the package. I make my own guacamole, but you can buy it pre-made. I also like my guacamole a little chunky, especially for this layered dip.
You'll need a deep-dish pie plate or glass casserole dish that's at least 3 inches deep. A clear glass dish is especially nice because you can see all those colorful layers.
Start with the refried beans, add the avocado mixture (guacamole) and seasoned sour cream, then finish with the fresh vegetables, cheese, and toppings.
No oven, no stovetop, and hardly any cleanup!
Ingredients For Mexican 7 Layer Taco Dip
This taco dip has seven layers, and each one adds something different.
Layer 1: Refried Beans
- Refried beans: A 15-ounce can of refried beans makes the bottom layer. The beans are thick enough to support the other ingredients and make the dip a little more filling.
Layer 2: Homemade Guacamole
- Avocados: Two mashed avocados make the creamy avocado layer.
- Lime juice: Adds a little tang and helps slow down browning.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds flavor.
- Cilantro: Use fresh chopped cilantro or dried cilantro, whichever you have.
- Sea Salt: Brings out the flavor of the avocado mixture but go light with the sea salt.
Layer 3: Seasoned Sour Cream
- Sour cream: Makes a smooth, creamy layer.
- Taco seasoning: Gives the sour cream that familiar taco flavor without having to measure several different spices.
Layer 4: Lettuce
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a little crunch and freshness. Make sure the lettuce is washed and dried well before adding it.
Layer 5: Cheddar Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Adds cheesy flavor and makes the dip a little heartier.
Layer 6: Tomatoes
- Chopped tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add color and flavor. You can also use prepared salsa if you prefer.
Layer 7: Green Onions And Black Olives
- Green onions: Use the white and tender green parts for a mild onion flavor.
- Black olives: Sliced black olives finish off the dip with a little salty flavor.
You have options here, which is always nice. Use the fresh ingredients you have on hand, and don't worry about making every layer look perfect.
Tips For Making The Best 7 Layer Taco Dip
Use A Deep Dish
This dip has quite a few ingredients, so don't try to squeeze everything into a shallow plate.
A deep-dish pie plate or glass casserole dish that's at least 3 inches deep gives you enough room for all seven layers.
A glass dish also makes a pretty presentation because everyone can see what's inside.
Make the Guacamole
Mash the avocados, then add the lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt.
Leave a few small chunks if you like a little texture, but the mixture should be soft enough to spread over the refried beans.
Ripe avocados work best. If they're too firm, you'll have a hard time mashing them.
Drain The Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain quite a bit of liquid, and too much moisture can make the dip watery.
After chopping the tomatoes, drain off any excess juice before adding them.
If you're using prepared salsa instead, choose a thick salsa or drain off some of the liquid.
Spread Each Layer Carefully
Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread each layer gently. This helps keep the layers separate instead of mixing everything together.
And don't worry if the layers aren't perfectly even. It all tastes the same once you scoop it onto a chip!
Prep the Dip Ahead Of Time
This dip is best when the vegetables are fresh and the avocado hasn't had time to brown.
If you're making it ahead for a party, you can prep some ingredients in advance.
Chop the green onions, shred the cheese, and mix the taco seasoning with the sour cream. Store everything separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the dip.
I recommend preparing the avocado mixture closer to serving time. Lime juice helps slow browning, but avocado can still turn brown when exposed to air.
You can assemble the dip a few hours before serving, but cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to eat.
Mexican 7 Layer Taco Dip Recipe
This easy Mexican layered dip has seven layers of beans, avocado, seasoned sour cream, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and toppings. No cooking required!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
Layer 1
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
Layer 2
- 2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and mashed
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro or 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
Layer 3
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup taco seasoning mix
Layer 4
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Layer 5
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Layer 6
- 2 tomatoes, chopped, or 1 cup prepared salsa
Layer 7
- 3 green onions, white and tender green parts only, sliced
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a deep-dish pie plate or a glass casserole dish (at least 3 inches deep).
- In a separate bowl, mash the avocado and add the lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt. Spread this mixture evenly over the beans.
- In another bowl, mix the taco seasoning with the sour cream until smooth and pink. Spread this mixture over the avocado layer.
- Spread the shredded lettuce evenly over the sour cream mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the lettuce.
- Spread the chopped tomatoes over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the sliced green onions and black olives on top.
- Serve with crisp tortilla chips.
Recipe Substitutions And Variations
One of the nice things about layered taco dip is that you can make a few adjustments depending on what you have in the refrigerator.
Use prepared guacamole. If you're short on time, prepared guacamole can replace the homemade avocado mixture. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be a little different.
Try a different cheese. Cheddar works well, but a shredded Mexican cheese blend is another option.
Use salsa instead of tomatoes. The original recipe gives you this option. Just be sure to drain off excess liquid so the dip doesn't become watery.
Add a little heat. If you like spicy food, add some chopped jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning mix.
Skip the olives. Not everyone likes black olives. You can leave them off if you prefer.
Recipes aren't written in stone! The basic seven-layer combination works well, but there's room to make it your own.
How To Store Leftover 7 Layer Taco Dip
Store leftover taco dip in the refrigerator in an airtight container or cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap.
For the best quality, eat leftovers within 1 to 2 days.
The lettuce and tomatoes may release some moisture as the dip sits, and the avocado layer can start to turn brown.
Keep in mind that this dip contains sour cream and fresh vegetables, so it shouldn't sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
What Kind Of Beans Are Best For Taco Dip?
Traditional canned refried beans work well because they're thick and easy to spread. If you are feeling industrious you can make your own which always taste better!
You can use regular or vegetarian refried beans. If you're making this for vegetarians, check the label because some refried beans contain lard.
Is 7 Layer Taco Dip Gluten Free?
This recipe can be gluten free, but check the labels on the refried beans, taco seasoning, salsa (if using), and tortilla chips.
Some packaged products may contain gluten or have cross-contact warnings.
Time To Dip!
Mexican 7 Layer Taco Dip is a handy appetizer when you need something quick and easy. With just 20 minutes of prep time and no cooking, you can have it ready before the guests arrive.
Creamy beans, avocado, seasoned sour cream, crunchy lettuce, cheese, and fresh toppings make a great dip for tortilla chips.
Make it for your next party or taco night, and don't forget to buy plenty of chips!
Save Or Print This Recipe
Mexican 7 Layer Taco Dip
Author: Recipe Idea Shop
Ingredients
Layer 1
- 1 can 15-ounce refried beans
Layer 2
- 2 avocados pitted, peeled and mashed
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro or 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Layer 3
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup taco seasoning mix
Layer 4
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Layer 5
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Layer 6
- 2 tomatoes chopped or 1 cup prepared salsa
Layer 7
- 3 green onions white and tender green parts only, sliced
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a deep dish pie plate or a glass casserole dish (at least 3 inches deep).
- In a separate bowl, mash the avocado and add lime juice, garlic, cilantro and salt. Spread this mixture evenly over the beans.
- In another bowl, mix the taco seasoning with the sour cream until smooth and pink. Spread this over the avocado layer.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the sour cream mixture.
- Spread the lettuce over the cheese.
- Spread the chopped tomatoes over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the onions and olives on top.
- Serve with crisp tortilla chips.
