This vegan 7 layer taco dip is a must make! Made of healthy ingredients, but tastes just like the traditional version. A crowd pleaser for all types of eaters!
If you have the layers pre-made, or store bought, this taco dip comes together in minutes! Perfect for a party or even as a snack for the family.
This post was originally published on September 9, 2015.
This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
I guarantee that this vegan 7 layer dip will go fast! With the creamy vegan cheese sauce and amazing refried beans, you won't be able to stop eating it!
If you love football and amazing appetizers to bring to parties then this is your go to recipe. I promise that you will not miss the dairy or meat, in fact, the only thing you’ll miss as you’re devouring this is the game!
The key to this vegan bean dip is all the amazing layers. The creamy taco sauce and cheese sauce contribute that extra pinch of satisfaction.
Ingredients
The Unsweetened Cashew Milk by Silk really adds extra creaminess to the taco sauce. I often use water to add liquid to my sauces, but sometimes when I need an extra creamy punch, I love using a plant-based milk.
- Vegan Taco Meat
- Ultimate Cheese Sauce
- Diced chiles
- Easy Fresh Mexican Salsa
- Guacamole
- Creamy Taco Sauce or Sour Cream
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Hot pepper
How to Make Vegan 7 Layer Dip
Spread each layer of the taco dip as evenly as possible in the dish in this order:
- Vegan taco meat
- Cheese sauce
- Chilis
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Taco sauce
- Cilantro, green onions and optional hot pepper
What to Serve With 7 Layer Dip
There's no rules that say you can't gobble this up with a spoon, but I highly suggest yummy dippers. Here are some of the best foods to serve this vegan taco dip with:
- Tortilla Chips
- Celery
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Peppers
- Crackers
- Baguette slices
- Or throw this dip into some tortillas and enjoy as a taco or burrito
Serving Tips
- You can transport this in any glass or ceramic dish.
- A large, shallow dish is ideal for scooping up the perfect bites.
- 7 layer dip can be served hot or cold.
- For cold, assemble the dip and chill for at least 1 hour.
- To make it a warm dip, heat the vegan taco meat and cheese sauce before spreading in the dish, then top and serve immediately.
- Another idea is to make this vegan dip in individual glass jars. It is a super cute way to present it and then everyone can have their own jar, which also minimizes double dipping. Haha!
How to Prep 7 Layer Dip Ahead of Time
This Mexican layered dip is simple but can be time-consuming. There are many aspects to this recipe so you need to come into it with a plan. If you follow my tips, not only can you make this fast to assemble the day you need it, but it will also give you some extra dinner ideas as you go!
I like to start a few days before and slowly make a few layers a day. Here is my usual strategy:
- 2-3 days before: vegan taco meat, cheese sauce, creamy taco sauce
- Day before: salsa, chop cilantro and green onions
- Day of: guacamole
Each day that you make a layer, you can use some of the extra that each recipe makes (or make extra if you want more than what will be left) to create another meal. Here are some examples:
- When you make the meat, cheese and taco sauce you can make bowls for dinner by adding some lettuce or rice. Follow these Low Fat Vegan Mexican Taco Bowl as an idea.
- When you make the salsa and chop cilantro and onions, you can make some enchiladas to use those items as well. Like these Easy Vegan Chickpea and Spinach Enchiladas
- When you make the guacamole, you can spice it up and make it a meal with quesadillas. Try this ultimate guacamole recipe to spice up the plain one.
Storage Tips
- If prepping the vegan 7 layer dip ahead, store each layer separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Once assembled it's best if enjoyed within 24 hours. Otherwise the guacamole may start to turn brown.
- Make sure to mix in lime juice to your guacamole to avoid it turning brown.
- You can also reduce the browning by placing a layer of plastic wrap directly against the top of the dip to try to prevent as much contact with the air as possible.
Common Questions
You sure can! This will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator, but it would be best to make it only a day or two max ahead of time.
Depending on the recipe, the layers can change. But there are definitely some similarities. Here are a few options that you often see:
- Meat Layer (we use this whole food plant-based meat recipe)
- Cheese Layer (we use this dairy free ultimate vegan cheese sauce, but you can also use this vegan nacho cheese sauce)
- Salsa (the roasted salsa from my cookbook is incredible, but we also love this fresh mexican salsa)
- Green Chilis or jalapeños
- Guacamole (a simple guacamole works best but this fully loaded guacamole is also delicious)
- Sour cream (we use a creamy taco sauce to spice it all up)
- Chopped Cilantro
- Sliced Green Onions
- Black olives
- Chopped tomatoes
7 Layer dip goes the best with tortilla chips in my opinion! But you could also serve with other things too like crackers, celery, carrots or peppers.
More Vegan Mexican Dip Recipes
Sometimes when it comes to dips, more is more. Here are some other plant based reader favorites!
Vegan 7 Layer Taco Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Vegan Taco Meat , see note
- 2 cups Ultimate Cheese Sauce
- 2 cans diced chiles (4 ounces each can)
- 1 ½ cups Easy Fresh Mexican Salsa
- 1 ½ cups Guacamole
- 1 ½ cups Creamy Taco Sauce (can also use sour cream)
- ¼-1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- ¼-1/2 cup chopped green onions
- hot pepper garnish , optional
Instructions
- Prep each layer.
Use a square baking dish and layer as follows:
- Spread taco meat at the bottom.
- Spread cheese sauce on top of meat.
- Spread the diced chiles.
- Spread the salsa.
- Spread the guacamole.
- Spread the creamy taco sauce or sour cream.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onions. Add hot pepper garnish if desired.
- Serve with tortilla chips, veggies or anything else you want!
Notes
- Make sure to pay attention to how much the recipe for each layer yields and adjust accordingly if you need more or don’t want to end up with extra. I made the whole thing of each and kept extras for other meals or froze them if they were freezer friendly.
- You can sub my refried beans for the taco meat.
- Nutrition facts are an estimate as it depends on which exact recipes you use for each layer.
- Make each layer ahead of time and keep in fridge until ready to put together.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
pragati
Hello! I think we are on the same page with Mexican food. Have been thinking of making a 7 layer dip for a long time. Now I simply must try this taco meat ?
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! It's already a huge hit around here!
Traditionallymodernfood
Love taci this s great..I should try it
Michelle@healthiersteps
I have to try this, the lentil walnut meat gets me plus all those delicious layers. This is perfect for me to take to the next potluck!
veggiesdontbite
It's a great potluck dish! Thanks so much!
Sina @ Vegan Heaven
Can't wait to make this, Sophia! I just love lentil walnut meat!! 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! It took me some time to figure out that grinding it before cooking gave it the perfect texture but now we don't have it any other way!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com
So brilliant of you adding lentils to this layered taco dip! YUM! This I definitely need to try 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Vanessa! The lentils are great in it. Grinding them a bit first really helps with texture.
Ginelle
This is such an awesome idea. Yum!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Ginelle! We love it!
Kayli Reynolds
Looks delish! Cannot wait to try. I love how you used lentils & walnuts as the "meat". Hoping my kiddos love it Bc I loveeeee 7 layer dip normally & would love to start making this healthier version. Thanks
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much Kayli!! We love it and so do my kids. If you make some of the layers ahead of time it's really easy to put together on the day you want it! I usually make the "meat," "cheese" sauce, salsa, and chili taco creme ahead of time. Hope you like it!
Mandy
I would be stuffing my face so fast if this was in front of me right now. Each layer sounds fantastic and flavorful!! I love how you made the taco "meat" - I've always used walnuts, but never thought to combine it with lentils. I bet that texture is amazing. I'm pinning this recipe for later...for the next family get together!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much Mandy! It's so so good!! We love the walnut lentil meat. Grinding it before cooking really gets a great texture. We use it all the time! Let me know how you like it!
Dina
This is so delicious I couldn't stop eating it. The best I had in a long time.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! I'll make it for you again soon!
Pam
Any suggestions for a walnut substitute? I'm highly allergic to walnuts. I can eat other nuts. What would work best?
veggiesdontbite
Hi Pam! The walnuts contribute to the texture so you'd want another softer nut. Pecans have a similar texture so that may work. Maybe pine nuts too. Let me know if you try it with something else!
The Vegan 8
This looks so yummy!! I love classic 7 layer dip! I grew up eating it and this one is of course a bit different! I've only ever had it with refried beans (never beef) and black olives were always on top, so I would have to sneak in some olives 😉 It looks delicious and super filling and perfectly dippable for tons of chips! Would be great reserved for game day like you said or a special occasion!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much! Yes, I almost put black olives but my hubby detests them so I refrained. Lol. I've had it with both beans and ground meat in the past and was looking for a good recipe to use my new taco "meat" in so this was perfect. Definitely something we ate for dinner with chips!
Liz
OMG yes please!! Love how you used the lentil taco meat as the base of this dip. Such a great idea! Pinned 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!! I've been using the walnut lentil meat for tacos and I've wanted to find a good way to use it on the blog and this was it!
Linda @ Veganosity
Yes to football and yes to this dip! Silk is the only brand of dairy free milk that I drink. I love that the cashew milk worked in the cheese sauce.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! We love Silk too! Especially the cashew milk!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I want to jump right into that pan!! Love all the layers and I love the hearty "taco" meat at the bottom! Perfect!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Rebecca! I've been looking for a dish to use my new taco meat in and this was perfect.
Jenn
I really truly do want to shove this in my face as soon as possible! Football? What football?
veggiesdontbite
Right. lol! It's so good and perfect game day food!