Mexican Five Layer Dip (Clean Eating)

Mexican 5 layer dip is a classic party appetizer that’s easy to make and loved by crowds. It features a vibrant combination of textures and flavors in a visually appealing layered presentation.

The typical layers include:

• Refried beans: These provide a savory base and a creamy texture.
• Sour cream: Adds a cool and tangy contrast to the beans.
• Guacamole: Offers a burst of freshness and healthy fats.
• Pico de gallo or salsa: Injects a layer of bright flavor and crunch with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
• Shredded cheese: The final layer provides a salty and satisfying finish.

This crowd-pleasing dip is perfect for any occasion, from potlucks and game days to casual get-togethers. It’s also easily customizable with your favorite ingredients like olives, hot sauce, or different types of cheese.

Why You’ll Love this Mexican 5 Layer Dips

Craving a satisfying and guilt-free Mexican fiesta? Look no further than this clean-eating 5-layer Mexican dip! Layers of fresh, wholesome ingredients burst with flavor, offering a healthier twist on the classic favorite.

Freshness Takes Center Stage:

• Black Bean Powerhouse: This recipe ditches the refried beans for a layer of protein-packed black beans, adding a satisfying heartiness without the added fat.
• Vibrant Veggies: Freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers add a layer of crispness, vitamins, and vibrant color to the dip.
• Creamy Delight: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt provides a cool and creamy contrast to the other layers, while keeping the fat content in check.

Flavorful and Guilt-Free:

• Spice it Up: Customize your spice level with a sprinkle of your favorite taco seasoning or a dollop of chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Better For You Fats: Avocado adds a touch of healthy fats and creaminess to the top layer, keeping you feeling satisfied.
• Clean and Simple: This recipe uses wholesome ingredients without sacrificing taste, making it a perfect choice for anyone following a clean-eating approach.

Perfect for Any Gathering:

• Easy to Make: Whip up this dip in minutes, making it a stress-free crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or a quick and healthy snack attack.
• Visually Appealing: The layered presentation adds a touch of elegance, making this dip a delightful addition to any party spread.
• Light and Refreshing: This dip is a lighter alternative to heavier dips, making it perfect for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence.

So ditch the greasy store-bought options and embrace the clean-eating revolution with this flavorful and healthy 5-layer Mexican dip!

I have a secret, well – not so much a secret, but a lifestyle I love and adore that my blog doesn’t always follow.

I love clean eating.

I worry a lot about snacks and calories and preservatives when it comes time for parties and such. I found this awesome dip early in the year and we made it several times – Super Bowl Sunday, 4th of July, Labor Day and now for New Years.

Also, in case you were wondering – I don’t live a 100% Clean Eating lifestyle by any stretch of the imagination, BUT I do try very hard to make everything from scratch so as to avoid most preservatives, etc.

Anyway, about that yummy dip.

Add In’s and Substitutions for Mexican 5 Layer Dip

The beauty of a 5-layer Mexican dip lies in its versatility! Here are some exciting additions to take your dip from classic to extraordinary:

Level Up the Layers:

• Bean Layer: Swap refried beans for a layer of black beans with corn and chopped bell peppers for a fresher and more textural base.
• Sour Cream Layer: For a tangier twist, mix chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice into the sour cream. Alternatively, try a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a lighter and protein-packed option.
• Guacamole Twist: Get creative with your guacamole! Add chopped roasted vegetables like corn or poblano peppers, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for a salty contrast.
• Salsa Sensation: Move beyond the classic pico de gallo. Try a mango salsa for a burst of sweetness, or a black bean and corn salsa for a heartier option.
• Cheesy Delights: Don’t limit yourself to shredded cheddar! Explore queso fresco for a crumbly texture, or a blend of pepper jack and Monterey Jack cheese for a kick of spice.

Bonus Toppings:

• Fresh Options: Chopped fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, or a dollop of crumbled avocado add vibrant color and freshness.
• Pickled Delights: A sprinkle of pickled jalapenos or red onions adds a tangy and spicy kick.
• Crunchy Contrast: A sprinkle of chopped roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds adds a delightful textural contrast.
• Spicy Touches: For those who like it hot, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of sriracha.

Don’t Forget the Dippers:

• Classic Chips: Tortilla chips are the go-to choice, but feel free to experiment with plantain chips, baked pita chips, or even crudités like sliced carrots and cucumber.

With these creative additions and toppings, you can create a Mexican 5-layer dip that’s uniquely your own. So unleash your inner chef, have fun experimenting, and impress your guests with a flavor explosion in every bite!

Making this Recipe

For the record, this is so yummy. I did use some garlic to flavor the beans and the avocado mixture though. I felt like it needed a little something and garlic is my favorite spice.

Mexican Five Layer Dip

Nicole Cook

Mexican 5 layer dip is a classic party appetizer that's easy to make and loved by crowds. It features a vibrant combination of textures and flavors in a visually appealing layered presentation.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizers, Snacks and Small Bite Recipes

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 15

Calories 161 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup pinto beans
• 3 medium tomatoes seeded and chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 small white onion chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 to 3 jalapeño peppers seeded and chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• ¾ cup cilantro leaves chopped, divided
• 2 limes juiced and divided
• ½ teaspoons sea salt plus additional to taste, divided
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 2 avocados pitted and peeled
• 6 ounces cheddar cheese grated (about 1½ cups)
• 1 ½ cups sour cream

Instructions

 

• Rinse beans in a colander and pick through, discarding any debris or small stones. Place in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover beans. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and let beans rest for 1 hour. Drain beans in a colander and rinse. Wash saucepan, return beans to saucepan and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low to maintain a steady simmer. Cover and cook for 1½ to 2 hours or until beans are very tender. Reserve about 2/3 cup cooking liquid, drain beans and set aside to cool. (Or, cover and refrigerate beans in their cooking liquid for up to 4 days. Reserve 2/3 cup liquid and drain before proceeding with recipe.)
• In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeños and about two-thirds of cilantro. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over tomato mixture and season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
• In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, remaining cilantro and remaining juice of 1 lime. Purée until slightly chunky. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Set aside.
• Place beans and 1/3 cup reserved cooking liquid in a food processor (or use a powerful blender or mash by hand with a potato masher). Process until you have a slightly chunky purée, adding additional cooking liquid, 1 tbsp at a time, as needed to reach desired consistency. Add 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper. Pulse several times to combine.

Putting It All Together

• Transfer beans to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish or large glass bowl and spread into an even layer.
• Sprinkle cheese evenly over beans. Dollop scoops of avocado mixture over cheese and use a spatula to spread into a thin layer. Dollop scoops of sour cream over avocado and spread into a thin layer. With a slotted spoon (to drain any liquid), spread tomato mixture evenly over sour cream. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 4 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 163mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 580IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 1mg

Keyword easy appetizers, easy dip recipes

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