Vegan 7 layer dip is layered with refried beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, non-dairy cream cheese, lettuce, red bell peppers, and shredded non-dairy cheese.
This gluten-free appetizer is always a crowdpleaser!
October means our yearly pumpkin carving party with friends.
So I used the occasion to make vegan 7 layer dip.
There are seven reasons to love this dip. But it’s not something I usually make since we’re a household of two.
Nachos serve the same purpose. And that tends to be our default.
However, there’s something very enticing about layers upon layers of deliciousness that makes me eager to dive in chip first.
It’s like a gustatory archaeological dig.
Homemade refried beans take things up a notch
For the first layer of vegan 7 layer dip, I started with my favorite homemade vegan refried beans.
You could certainly go with a can of refried beans instead.
But you can’t beat the flavor of homemade.
Or for a change of pace, make refried black beans instead.
Like any good recipe, you start by sautéing onions and garlic. Then you cook pinto beans with water and spices until everything has melded and softened.
Then it’s time for some mashing.
I’ve used a fork in a pinch, and that will do.
But for velvety smooth refried beans, an immersion blender comes in very handy.
Then I popped it into a container and put it in the refrigerator until I was ready to make the dip.
Non-dairy cream cheese options
The second layer is non-dairy cream cheese.
Miyoko’s cream cheese is my usual favorite. Kite Hill is a good second choice.
However, on this day I used Trader Joe’s non-dairy cream cheese. And that worked beautifully as well.
It’s less expensive than the others. With so many flavors going on here, you don’t really need to pay a premium for higher end cream cheeses.
If you prefer homemade, Miyoko’s recipe for cream cheese from Artisan Vegan Cheese is very tasty and not too difficult as far as vegan cheese-making goes. It just takes some pre-planning.
It’s your call!
The remaining layers
The third layer is guacamole – homemade or store-bought.
It’s followed by a layer of cherry tomato pico de gallo.
Cherry tomatoes work especially well in a 7 layer dip, because they aren’t as watery as your usual tomatoes. Nobody wants a soupy 7 layer dip.
Finally, it’s finished off with chopped romaine lettuce, red bell peppers, and shredded non-dairy cheese.
How to make it ahead of time
The day before the party, I made all of the layers separately.
Then I put them together in a large glass bowl just a couple of hours before we were meeting up.
I drained any liquid off of the pico de gallo and refried beans before spreading them into the serving bowl, so that everything would be as dry as possible for clean, orderly layers.
📖 Recipe
Vegan 7 layer dip
Ingredients
Cherry tomato pico de gallo
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 small clove garlic minced
- ½ cup onions chopped small
- 1 heaping Tablespoon cilantro
- ½ to 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Pinch salt
Remaining layers
- 1 batch vegan refried beans about 1 ¼ cups
- 8 ounce container non-dairy cream cheese
- 1 ¼ cups guacamole homemade or store-bought
- 4 large romaine leaves chopped
- ½ cup chopped red bell peppers
- ¼ to ½ cup shredded non-dairy cheese
Instructions
To make cherry tomato pico de gallo
- In a medium sized bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, garlic, onions, cilantro, ½ teaspoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and add additional lime juice or salt, if necessary. Set aside.
To make 7 layer dip
- Fill the bottom of a large glass bowl with an even layer of refried beans.
- Then spread non-dairy cream cheese evenly across the top.
- Then add an even layer of guacamole.
- Then spoon on the cherry tomato pico de gallo across the top, making sure to cover all of the guacamole, so that it doesn't oxidize and brown.
- Add a layer of chopped romaine and chopped red bell peppers.
- Finish with a layer of shredded non-dairy cheese. Depending on the size of your bowl and your own preferences, sprinkle on ¼ to ½ cup.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate, or serve right away with tortilla chips for dipping.
Janis Ware
Now THIS was a very fun recipe to take for the staff lounge. It was gone before everyone had even had a chance to try it! People could not even believe it was vegan, because they definitely knew it was since I brought it. It is easy to make, versatile and delicious. This has become one of my “standby” recipes especially when gathering with others. Whether eaten as a dip, something to put in a tortilla or plop the leftover on a bunch of greens, it’s a winner!
Cadry
I’m so glad to hear how much you’ve enjoyed this recipe, Janis, and that it’s gone over well with non-vegans too. I love your variation on ways to serve the dip. Very clever! Thank you for the wonderful feedback!
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
Your pumpkin carving party sounds like fun! I would love to get together with friends and do something like that.
I have a 5 layer dip that’s similar to yours, but I love your extra layers – even more layers of deliciousness!
Cadry
Thanks, Dianne! It’s always fun to have an excuse to make some tasty treats!
Becky Striepe
Oh man, I was JUST thinking the other day that it had been too long since I had 7 layer dip, and then you read my mind!
Cadry
The chances were pretty good since 7 layer dip is never far from your thoughts, right? 😉
Becky Striepe
Are you reading my mind right now??
Shell
Yum! The dip looks delicious….and it is so pretty!
Cadry
Thanks, Shell!
Jojo
I’ve never had seven layer dip vegan or otherwise but whenever I see it on blogs or social media it looks so good. I can’t wait to try it one day!
Cadry
I’m sure you’ll love it whenever that day comes!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I love this post! The dip looks amazing, and what a fun party!
Cadry
Thank you, Amy! It was such a good time. Our annual get together really puts me in the fall spirit.
Sarah Kate
What cheeze did you use? (It doesn’t look like Daiya)
Cadry
I used the Daiya cheddar farmhouse block and shredded it by hand. I’m not a fan of the bagged Daiya that already comes shredded, but the block really reminds me of dairy cheddar.
Sarah Kate
Awesome! I agree on the preshreds so I haven’t tried the farmhouse block. It looks like the real thing in your pics so I’ll give it a try for sure.
Jordyn
Where can you get the block?
Cadry
I’ve gotten the Daiya cheddar block at Hy-Vee, Natural Grocers, and Lucky Market. If a grocer in your area is already selling other Daiya products but not the block, they will probably be able to order it for you.