These quick, layered Mexican dip recipes bring together a multitude of flavors in every bite.

Mexican Dip Recipes (7-Layer Dip, Tex Mex Dip and Mexican Party Dip) are festive dips that blend the flavors of guacamole, bean dip, salsa, sour cream, vegetables, cheeses and spices.

You can use nonfat or low-fat ingredients to keep these dips healthy while still very flavorful.

Our versions can be adapted in any way you wish. Not a fan of bean dip, or you prefer an extra layer of olives? No worries. Make these mexican dip recipes your own and layer in exactly what you like.

Here are three recipe variations we enjoy making because they're all quick and flavorful, and you can choose from hot, cold or room temperature servings. They're very similar, but you might enjoy making one over the other.

Each one can be served with tortilla chips, tortilla "scoops," or plain or toasted pita wedges.

7-Layer Dip Recipe

This is a beautiful dip to serve in a clear glass baking dish that shows off the 7 colorful layers.

INGREDIENTS

16-oz. can of refried beans (organic, famous brand or store brand are all fine; your preference)

3 ripe large avocados*

3 Tb. fresh lime juice

2 cups sour cream (nonfat is fine)

1-oz. package of taco seasoning mix

Black olives (1 cup sliced deli olives is a major treat, but two 5-3/4 oz. cans are fine too)

4 cups chopped grape tomatoes

2 cups grated Sharp Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese (low-fat is fine)

Finely chopped scallions or fresh cilantro (or both)

RECIPE

  1. Preheat broiler on high.
  2. Spread the refried beans evenly across the bottom of the glass dish.
  3. Scoop out the avocados and mash together with lime juice. Spread this mixture evenly over the refried beans.
  4. Mix the sour cream and taco seasoning mix together, then spread this over the avocado layer.
  5. Next, sprinkle chopped tomatoes over the sour cream layer.
  6. Sprinkle chopped chili peppers over the tomatoes.
  7. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the peppers.
  8. Place the dish in the broiler about 3-4 inches from the top heating unit, only long enough for the cheese to melt (this takes just 1-2 minutes).
  9. Sprinkle with scallions, cilantro or both, just before serving. This can be served hot or at room temperature.

Serves 18-20 guests.

Tex-Mex Dip Recipe

INGREDIENTS

3 ripe large avocados*

2 Tb. fresh lime juice

1 cup sour cream (nonfat is fine)

1/2 cup of mayonnaise

1-oz. package of taco seasoning mix

Two 9-oz. cans of zesty bean dip (medium hot)

1 large bunch of scallions or green onions, chopped

3 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped and seeded

One 6-oz. can of pitted black olives

One 8-oz. package of shredded Mexican Cheddar cheese

RECIPE

  1. Slice, pit and mash the avocados. Add lemon juice plus a dash of salt and pepper.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise and taco seasoning mix.
  3. Spread bean dip over the bottom of a large shallow pan or glass dish.
  4. Spread the avocado mixture over the bean dip.
  5. Spread sour cream mixture over avocado mix.
  6. Sprinkle onions, tomatoes, olives and shredded cheese. Serve as is; no heating necessary.

Serves 8 guests.

Mexican Party Dip Recipe

INGREDIENTS

16-oz. can of refried beans

1-1/2 cups of the world's easiest guacamole dip

1-oz. package of taco seasoning mix

1-1/2 cups sour cream

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 cup grated Sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup ripe plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped and seeded

1/4 cup chopped black olives

2 halved and sliced scallions (lengthwise) with approximately 3 inches of green showing

RECIPE

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Spread beans evenly over the bottom of a 10-inch round glass baking dish or pie plate.
  3. Spread guacamole dip over the beans.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the taco seasoning mix with sour cream and spices.
  5. Spread this mixture over the guacamole dip.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients over the top.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes and serve hot. Or, let stand and serve at room temperature.

Serves 8-10 guests.

*Here's a trick to ripen avocados fairly quickly for your mexican dip recipes if you can't find ripe-and-ready avocados in the store. Place avocados in a paper bag and close the top. Put the bag aside in a cool and dry place, such as a kitchen pantry or a hidden-away corner of the countertop. They should be ripe within a day or two.

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