7 layer dip with guacamole, cashew sour cream, salsa, and vegan cheese in a white dish
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7 Layer Dip (Vegan)

Dips

4 Servings
Prep 20 min
Cook 5 min
Total 50 min

Ingredients:

Layer 1: Refried Beans

  • 425 g (15 oz / 1 can) vegetarian refried beans
  • 1 tsp taco seasoning (optional)

Layer 2: Guacamole

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice
  • salt to taste

Layer 3: Cashew Sour Cream

  • 130 g (1 cup) raw cashews, soaked 4 hours or boiled 10 min
  • 120 ml (½ cup) water
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt

Layer 4: Salsa

  • 240 ml (1 cup) chunky salsa, drained, or fresh pico de gallo

Layer 5: Vegan Cheese

  • 115 g (1 cup) shredded vegan cheddar or Mexican blend

Layer 6: Lettuce (optional)

  • 50 g (1 cup) shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce

Layer 7: Toppings

  • 75 g (½ cup) chopped tomatoes
  • 35 g (¼ cup) sliced black olives
  • 10 g (2 tbsp) chopped green onions or chives
  • 15 g (⅓ cup) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

Equipments:

Gluten-Free
Grain-Free
Leftover Friendly
Oil-Free
Refined Sugar-Free
Soy-Free

Features:

Gluten-Free

Grain-Free

Leftover Friendly

Oil-Free

Refined Sugar-Free

Soy-Free

Nutrition:

Servings 1 of 4 Calories 560 Carbohydrates 46 g Fat 39 g Fiber 15 g Protein 16 g
Monounsaturated 20.6 g Polyunsaturated 5.5 g Saturated 8.4 g Trans 0 g
Vitamin A 0.06 mg Vitamin C 15 mg Vitamin D 0 mg
Calcium 120 mg Iron 4.5 mg Potassium 680 mg
Cholesterol 0 mg Sodium 955 mg Sugar 8 g

Make Now

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Cashew Sour Cream
    Blend 130 g (1 cup) soaked raw cashews, 120 ml (½ cup) water, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, 5 ml (1 tsp) apple cider vinegar, and ¼ tsp salt until completely smooth. Set aside.
  2. Layer the Beans
    Mix 425 g (1 can) vegetarian refried beans with 1 tsp taco seasoning if using. Spread evenly into an 8×8-inch dish or shallow serving platter.
  3. Layer the Guacamole
    Mash 2 ripe avocados with 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice and salt to taste. Spread over the bean layer.
  4. Layer the Cashew Sour Cream
    Spread the cashew sour cream gently over the guacamole layer.
  5. Layer the Salsa
    Spoon 240 ml (1 cup) drained salsa or pico de gallo evenly over the cashew sour cream.
  6. Add Cheese and Lettuce
    Sprinkle with 115 g (1 cup) shredded vegan cheddar. Add 50 g (1 cup) shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce if desired.
  7. Add Toppings
    Finish with 75 g (½ cup) chopped tomatoes, 35 g (¼ cup) sliced black olives, 10 g (2 tbsp) chopped green onions, 15 g (⅓ cup) fresh parsley, and jalapeño slices if using.
  8. Chill and Serve
    Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving with tortilla chips.
Why These Ingredients
  • Refried beans — the hearty, protein-rich base layer that anchors all the toppings and adds fiber and substance to every bite.
  • Avocados — provide creamy healthy fats and form the guacamole layer; lime juice prevents browning and adds brightness.
  • Raw cashews — blended with water, lemon juice, and vinegar to create a thick, tangy dairy-free sour cream that mimics the real thing.
  • Apple cider vinegar — adds the characteristic tang to the cashew sour cream that makes it taste like actual sour cream.
  • Salsa (drained) — draining removes excess liquid so the layers stay firm and don't make the dip watery or soggy.
  • Vegan cheddar — adds a melty, savory layer and familiar cheese flavor without dairy.
  • Romaine or iceberg lettuce — adds freshness and a cool crunch that balances the rich, creamy layers below.
  • Black olives — provide a briny, salty contrast to the creamy guacamole and sour cream layers.
Common Mistakes, Notes, Prep in Advance, Storage, Swaps & Tips

Common Mistakes

  • Not draining the salsa — watery salsa will make the layers soggy. Always drain excess liquid first.
  • Adding toppings too early — lettuce and tomatoes should go on right before serving to stay fresh and crisp.

Notes

  • Soak cashews for 4 hours or boil for 10 minutes for the smoothest cashew sour cream.
  • Spread each layer all the way to the edges of the dish for a tidy, layered presentation.

Prep in Advance

  • Make the cashew sour cream and refried bean layer up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate separately. Assemble the day of serving.

Storage

  • Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Best assembled the day of serving.

Swaps

  • Replace cashew sour cream with store-bought vegan sour cream for a shortcut.
  • Swap refried beans for black beans or pinto beans.

Tips

  • Add toppings right before serving to keep lettuce crisp and tomatoes fresh.
  • Use a clear glass dish to show off all the beautiful layers.