Seven Layer Tex-Mex Dip (Printable version)

Tex-Mex layers of beans, guacamole, cheese, salsa, and fresh toppings served chilled with tortilla chips.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base

01 - 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
02 - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

→ Guacamole Layer

03 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
04 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
07 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced

→ Sour Cream Layer

08 - 1 cup sour cream

→ Salsa Layer

09 - 1 cup chunky salsa, drained

→ Cheese Layer

10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings

12 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
13 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
14 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions

→ For Serving

15 - Tortilla chips

# How To Make:

01 - Combine refried beans with taco seasoning in a medium bowl, then spread evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch shallow dish.
02 - Mash avocados with lime juice, salt, diced red onion, and tomato until combined; spread over the bean layer.
03 - Spread sour cream evenly over the guacamole layer to create the third layer.
04 - Distribute drained chunky salsa evenly over the sour cream without mixing layers.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the salsa.
06 - Layer sliced black olives evenly over the cheeses.
07 - Scatter shredded iceberg lettuce and chopped green onions over the olives for a fresh finish.
08 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld; serve chilled with tortilla chips.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but requires zero cooking and minimal skill, which means you can actually relax before guests arrive.
  • Every layer stays distinct and visible, so people get excited seeing all those colors and flavors stacked together.
  • You can prep it hours ahead and just pull it from the fridge, making it perfect for the host who wants to actually enjoy the party.
02 -
  • Drain your salsa, seriously, or the whole dip turns into a soggy mess after an hour and people stop seeing those beautiful layers you worked to build.
  • Don't mix the layers as you go, even when tempted, because part of the magic is how each spoonful tastes different depending on what you scooped up.
03 -
  • Buy your avocados a day early so they're ripe but not overripe, then mash them last so they stay bright green and beautiful.
  • Use a shallow rectangular dish instead of a deep bowl because shallow means everyone can actually reach the bottom layers with their chip.
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