The Best 7-Layer Dip

The Best 7-Layer Dip is a meatless recipe built around green or red salsa, ripe avocados and fresh lime juice. Plan on 16 servings and about 40 minutes.

• Yield 16 servings
• Ready in 40 minutes

Ingredients

Bean Layer

• 1 (30-ounce) can refried beans about 3 1/2 cups
• ½ cup green or red salsa

Guacamole

• 3-4 medium ripe avocados
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sour Cream Layer

• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Other Layers

• 1 ½ cups finely shredded Mexican blend cheese , monterey jack + cheddar
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced olives
• ¼ cup finely chopped green onions or chives

Instructions

1. For the bean layer, mix the refried beans and salsa together until creamy and smooth. Evenly spread in a 9X13-inch (or slightly smaller) dish.
2. Spread the guacamole evenly over the refried beans.
3. For the sour cream layer, stir together the sour cream and all the seasonings until smooth and evenly combined. Spread evenly over the guacamole, covering completely all the way to the edges so the guacamole doesn't turn brown.
4. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the sour cream followed by the tomatoes, olives, and green onions (or chives).
5. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The dip can be made 8-12 hours in advance (and probably longer, although it might get a bit liquidy from the tomatoes if refrigerated longer than that).

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.