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This Easy 7-Layer Dip is what summer potlucks were made for. It’s everything you want in a crowd-pleasing appetizer – bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of crunch – all layered up in a dish that disappears faster than you can say, “pass the chips.” Think backyard barbecues, game nights, or those easygoing Friday evenings when friends gather without much of a plan except good food and better company.
We all know the store-bought versions: heavy, a little one-note, and often overloaded with sour cream and processed cheese. But this version? It’s lighter, brighter, and made with real, fresh ingredients that build flavor with each layer. There’s no mystery here – just delicious, satisfying bites that taste like summer.
And while it’s technically an appetizer, don’t be surprised if it steals the whole show. It’s quick to pull together, wildly customizable, and checks all the boxes for vegetarians, dairy-free guests, and… well, anyone with a pulse.
😍 Why You’ll Love My Easy 7-Layer Dip Recipe
This is the recipe you reach for when you want something that looks impressive but takes no time at all – no oven, no fuss, no long list of prep steps.
Unlike the heavier versions you might remember from your childhood, this one skips the sour cream and goes for creamy, tangy yogurt instead. There’s still cheese (I’m not a monster), but it’s used with a lighter hand. And instead of store-bought guac or salsa, you mash your own avocado with cilantro and lime for a layer that feels fresh and vibrant.
It’s a layered dip where each ingredient really earns its place. From the cumin-spiced refried beans to the juicy pop of grape tomatoes on top, every bite is balanced, flavorful, and somehow better than the last. Stack it all together and serve with chips – or veggies, if you’re going all in on the fresh vibe – and watch it vanish in minutes.
🗒️ Ingredients
Refried Beans – A warm, savory base that anchors the dip with cozy, spiced flavor.
Ground Cumin – Earthy and aromatic, it gives the beans their signature depth.
Green Chiles – Mildly spicy and tangy, they add just the right amount of kick.
Kosher Salt – Enhances every layer and balances the bold flavors.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper – A little heat and a lot of flavor in every sprinkle.
Plain Yogurt – Creamy and cool, it lightens the dip while adding a gentle tang.
Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning – Packs the yogurt layer with zesty, familiar Tex-Mex flair.
Avocados – Buttery and smooth, they bring richness and body to the dip.
Fresh Lime Juice – Bright and citrusy, it keeps the avocado layer fresh and vibrant.
Cilantro – Herbaceous and fragrant, it lifts every bite.
Cheddar Cheese – Sharp, salty, and just melty enough to feel indulgent.
Grape Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, they add freshness and color to the top.
Green Onion – Crisp and mildly pungent, they bring crunch and brightness.
👩🍳 How to Make My Easy 7-Layer Dip
👩🍳 In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the refried beans with the cumin, green chiles, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let cool slightly once warmed through.
🥣 In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt and taco seasoning until smooth and creamy.
🥑 In a separate bowl, mash the avocados with ¼ cup chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
🍽️ Spread the cooled refried beans evenly across the bottom of a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
🧀 Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beans, then spread the yogurt mixture on top, followed by the mashed avocado.
🍅 Finish with a layer of quartered grape tomatoes, sliced green onions, and a final sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
🫓 Pair with tortilla chips and dig in right away, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
🥳 Enjoy!
🎩 Tips and Tricks
- Make sure your beans cool before layering – this helps the dip hold its shape.
- For best results, serve the same day you make it.
- Want to prep ahead? Mix the yogurt and mash the avocado in advance, but assemble just before serving.
🌟 Variations
This recipe is super flexible – change it up to match your mood or what’s in your fridge.
- Add black olives or corn for a twist.
- Spice things up with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Try pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor.
🤲 Substitutions
- No refried beans? Mash black beans or pinto beans with the same seasonings.
- Dairy-free? Use a non-dairy yogurt and skip the cheese.
- Want it meatier? Add a layer of ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco spices.
📓 Best served with
- Tortilla chips (obviously!)
- Sliced bell peppers
- Cucumber rounds
- Pita chips
👝 How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado may darken slightly, but the flavors will still be great. For best texture, enjoy within 24 hours.
🧠 Common Questions
Yes! You can prep the layers separately and assemble the day of your event.
Plain whole milk or low-fat yogurt works best. Greek yogurt also holds up well.
Not recommended—avocado and dairy don’t thaw well.
Make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
It has a gentle kick from the green chiles, but you can make it milder or hotter depending on your taste.
Easy 7-Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can fat free refried beans, Use vegetarian refried beans if you are vegetarian
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 4-ounce can green chiles
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 1-ounce packet of low-sodium taco seasoning
- 2 medium avocados
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice from 1 lime
Finishing layers:
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups grape tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ cup green onion, white and green parts sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the refried beans with the cumin, chiles, ¼ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper. Mix together in the pan, and when warm to the touch, remove from the heat and then let cool while you proceed.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt and packet of taco seasoning.
- In a separate small bowl, mash avocados with the ¼ cup cilantro, lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread cooled refried beans all over the bottom of a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
- Top with the shredded cheese, then yogurt, then avocado mash.
- Finally, add the diced grape tomatoes, green onion, and additional cilantro.
- Serve with tortilla chips right away or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- This dip is best enjoyed the day it is made.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wonderful recipe! I switched out the refried beans and used canned pumpkin mixed with the taco seasoning and left the yogurt layer plain.
Will try smashed black beans next time.
Thank you for sharing!
I love that you made this your own! Enjoy!
Delicious! Thank you for your diligent work in bringing us healthy and tasty dishes.
You’re so welcome, Heather!
Unbelievably tasty¡ I am impressed.. I made it today. I love it.. let’s se what the guests think
I’m so glad you love it, Kerri! I’d love to hear what they think!
Kat.
This is great. I love this 7layer dip. Can you put it in a printable recipe form?
I’m so glad you love this, Diana!
On the top of the recipe card, there is a button to ‘Print Recipe’ so you can keep it!
Kat.
Hello, I enjoyed your appearance on The Good Stuff and would love the recipe for and the baked saffron rice with chic peas and roasted cherry tomatoes onions and garlic. I searched the show but couldn’t find the recipe, only the YOUTUBE clip with no measurements. Can you help?
Thank you,
Linda
Hi Linda,
That recipe is available in my cookbook Big Bites!
Thank you so much for watching!
Kat.
This was excellent! Love the combo of fresh and canned ingredients + the moderate amount of cheese + the healthier inclusion of Greek yogurt instead of the sour cream/mayo often found in seven-layer dips. So tasty and filling. Thanks, Kathleen!
I’m so glad you loved this, Catherine! It’s become such a staple for celebrations!
Enjoy,
Kat.