Dessert

7 Layer Dip Recipe

Name: 7 Layer Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 32 ounces canned refried beans (two 16-ounce cans); 3 tablespoons water; 1 ½ cups premade mild guacamole; 2 cups sour cream; 1 ounce mild taco seasoning; 16 ounces chunky mild salsa (drained through a mesh strainer); 2 cups shredded lettuce; 2 cups pre-shredded fiesta blend cheese; 2.25 ounces sliced black olives (well drained); 1 cup chopped roma tomatoes; ½ cup green onions (thinly sliced)

ByHarry Bern December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

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Introduction

7 Layer Dip is a classic party favorite that combines creamy, fresh, and savory flavors in every bite. This easy-to-assemble dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a delicious mix of beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, and fresh veggies. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips for an irresistible appetizer.

The dish is a layered salsa dip served in a clear glass container with a white marbled surface underneath. The bottom layer is a smooth, light brown refried bean paste, thick and even. On top of the beans is a thin layer of bright green guacamole, smooth with slight texture. Over this is a layer of red salsa, glossy and spread evenly. The next layer is a mix of shredded white and yellow cheese, scattered loosely. The topmost layer has chopped fresh vegetables: vibrant red tomato cubes, dark round slices of black olives, green ringed slices of green onion, and fresh light green shredded lettuce, all spread thickly and colorful. A section has been scooped out, showing all the layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

32 ounces canned refried beans (two 16-ounce cans)
3 tablespoons water
1 ½ cups premade mild guacamole
2 cups sour cream
1 ounce mild taco seasoning
16 ounces chunky mild salsa (drained through a mesh strainer)
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups pre-shredded fiesta blend cheese
2.25 ounces sliced black olives (well drained)
1 cup chopped roma tomatoes
½ cup green onions (thinly sliced)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the canned refried beans to a small mixing bowl. Stir in the 3 tablespoons of water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Use a silicone or offset spatula to spread the refried beans evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Spread the premade guacamole evenly over the refried bean layer.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and mild taco seasoning. Whisk until thoroughly incorporated.
Step 5: Spread the seasoned sour cream mixture evenly over the guacamole layer.
Step 6: Drain the chunky mild salsa through a mesh strainer to remove excess liquid, then spread it evenly over the sour cream layer.
Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded fiesta blend cheese evenly over the salsa layer.
Step 8: Add the shredded lettuce evenly on top of the cheese layer.
Step 9: Sprinkle the well-drained sliced black olives over the lettuce layer.
Step 10: Spread the chopped roma tomatoes evenly over the olives, patting away excess juice if needed.
Step 11: Finally, sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions over the tomatoes. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier dip, use medium or hot taco seasoning and salsa instead of mild.
Try adding a layer of cooked ground beef or shredded chicken between the beans and guacamole for extra protein.
Substitute shredded cheddar cheese if you don’t have fiesta blend cheese on hand.
To keep the layers neat while serving, use a flat spatula or wide spoon to scoop portions.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh veggies may release some moisture over time, so give the dip a gentle stir before serving. It’s best served chilled, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the layers slightly.

How to Serve

A clear glass dish shows a seven-layer dip with a large triangular chip standing upright in the middle. The bottom layer looks creamy and beige, likely refried beans, topped by a layer of green guacamole. Above this is a light orange creamy layer, possibly a cheese or sour cream mix, covered by a bright red salsa layer. Next is a sprinkling of shredded white and yellow cheese, then a layer of chopped green onions and black olive slices. The top layer is a mix of fresh, chopped lettuce and red tomatoes, creating a colorful, fresh look. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with blurred white plates and tortilla chips in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make 7 Layer Dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add fresh tomatoes and green onions on the day of serving for best texture.

What can I serve with 7 Layer Dip?

Tortilla chips are the classic choice, but you can also serve the dip with sliced veggies like bell peppers, cucumber, and jicama for a lighter option.

Harry Bern