A healthy twist on the traditional cheese dip, this refried bean dip is plant-based and uses refried beans, spices, and a salsa fresca topping.
who likes dip The other night, some friends brought in delicious mashed beans and queso dip from a local Mexican restaurant. It was so, so good: but it got us thinking: could you make it with just the beans for a healthy change? Enter this chilled bean dip. It’s really tasty, but there’s no cheese. (Isn’t it?!) In a way, it’s just as satisfying as a Mexican cheese dip without the extra calories. This one uses our Instant Pot Refried Beans or Easy Stovetop Refried Beans, which we highly recommend. But if you don’t, you can use canned refried beans instead. Read on for this healthy appetizer—and some tasty ways to serve it!
Start with refried beans: stovetop, instant pot, or canned.
This chilled bean dip is super easy to make: whether you have an Instant Pot or not! For the best flavor, we recommend making your own refried beans using our Instant Pot Refried Bean Method or our Homemade Refried Beans.
- Instant Pot Method: He uses dried Pinto beans tossed with onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers, cumin, and chili powder.
- Stovetop method: Can use canned or cooked pinto beans tossed with garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
Both methods are so much tastier than canned beans! Well, there are some really good brands of bean curd out there. We therefore strongly recommend that you: MAKE HOMEMADE FRIED BEANS. You will not be disappointed.
However! For a quick and easy bean dip: Use canned beans instead. You may need to thin the consistency with a little broth or water, and you may need to add a little more seasoning than the recipe calls for. But it still turns out just as good! If possible, use the best beans you can find. (You may need to experiment with grocery store brands – which gives you a reason to make these often!)
How to make chilled bean dip
This recipe was born from the challenge of creating a delicious Mexican-style dip: without cheese. Now we eat cheese: and we love it! But and often we look for herbal recipes. So, this is a healthy take on the stir-fry Mexican cheese dip: instead of cheese, here it’s just refried beans, a few spices, and a salsa fresca topping. The filling not only looks great, but also gives the dip a tangy freshness that is incredibly delicious. If you like, you can of course add cheese! But we love that this dip is completely vegan and plant-based.
How to make this chilled bean dip:
- Make Instant Pot Refried Beans or Stovetop Refried Beans, or reheat canned beans.
- Stir in the green chilies, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and hot sauce.
- Pour into a shallow serving bowl and garnish with salsa fresca. Serve with tortilla chips.
How to serve this Refried Bean Dip
Of course, you can serve this chilled bean dip with your favorite tortilla chips. If you have the time, we have a homemade tortilla chip recipe that’s a fun DIY. They’re cooked and come out perfectly crispy and salty. It’s also great as an accompaniment to tacos.
A few days ago we served this dip as part of a fun dinner menu on the patio. One of our favorite Mexican recipes, it had the perfect ambiance for al fresco dining. So many people love fall, but for me, eating dinner like this on our patio in the summer is freaking perfect. Here is our menu:
Let us know if you tried this bean dip and what you think of it in the comments below!
This bean dip recipe is…
Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based and dairy-free. (For vegans, use the olive oil option for beans.)
The description
A healthy twist on the traditional cheese dip, this refried bean dip is plant-based and uses refried beans, spices, and a salsa fresca topping.
For the chilled bean dip
For the salsa fresca topping
- 1/2 ripe tomato (½ cup diced)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ⅛ teaspoon cumin powder
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 jalapeno pepper (optional)
- Prepare Instant Pot Refried Beans or Homemade Refried Beans, making sure they are hot before serving. If using canned beans, heat them in a saucepan on the stovetop and stir until creamy, adding a little water or broth if too thick. (If you prepare the refried beans ahead of time, reheat them on the stovetop.)
- Stir in green chiles, lime juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and hot sauce. Taste and add additional kosher salt if needed. (If using canned beans, you can add extra cumin or lime
- For the salsa fresca topping, dice the tomato. Finely chop the red onion. Chop the cilantro. In a small bowl, mix the tomato, red onion, and cilantro with the lime juice, cumin, and kosher salt. If using the jalapeno peppers, slice them thinly.
- To serve, pour the dip into a shallow bowl. Garnish with the salsa topping and thinly sliced jalapeno pepper. Serve with tortilla chips.
Remarks
Note: Prep time only includes Refried Bean Dip prep time, not Instant Pot Refried Beans.
- Category: aperitif
- Method: Cook
- Kitchen: Mexican inspired
Keywords: Refreshed bean dip, easy bean dip, bean dip, bean dip recipe
Looking for more party bites?
Aside from that chilled bean dip, here are some of our favorite appetizers and dip recipes:
