Whether you're planning a gameday get-together, a summer BBQ, a taco night, or a potluck, I have the ultimate appetizer for you: plant-based individual seven layer dips! These show-stopping jars are easy to make, require no cooking, and can be prepared ahead of time, so they make hosting a breeze. They're also eye-catching, unique, and photo-worthy; they're sure to make a statement at a party.
Although seven layer dip is loosely Mexican-inspired, this version gets a very fresh upgrade with an iconic Hawaiian ingredient: pineapple. The spicy pineapple salsa goes beautifully alongside a decadent avocado mash, hearty black beans, rich and creamy coconut yogurt, and three different vegetables. These fresh and colorful ingredients keep these seven layer dip cups plant-based, veggie-filled, and light.
Ready to dive in? Keep reading to learn about why this vegan seven layer dip is more nutritious and more flavorful than the classic and how to layer these pretty jars to make sure the ingredients stick together (hint: the order of the layers is important).
Seven layer dip is an iconic gameday and party dip that is very loosely inspired by Mexican flavors. Although recipes vary widely, traditional seven layer dip often features refried beans, cheese, sour cream, veggies like tomatoes and/or olives, sometimes lettuce, and sometimes avocado. Like the name implies, it's usually served with seven layers that have distinct colors and textures.
Unfortunately, most seven layer dips can be quite heavy and aren't friendly for plant-based eaters. That's why I'm excited to bring you this vegan seven layer dip recipe that's much fresher than the classic, more colorful, lighter, and filled with nourishing fruits and veggies.
Creating a plant-based seven layer dip is easy; you just need to swap out the traditional sour cream layer and the traditional cheese layer with vegan alternatives. In this recipe, you'll see that I suggest using full-fat coconut yogurt in place of sour cream because it's creamy and rich, and because the coconut flavor complements the pineapple beautifully. Instead of cheese, this recipes uses a decadent avocado mash. Both of these swaps add a lot more flavor than their dairy-filled alternatives and help the other ingredients stick together.
These show-stopping seven layer dip cups (or jars) are perfect for a party since everyone can have their own (= no sharing germs!). Plus, unlike a big pan of dip, the layers in these pretty jars are easy to see. From bottom to top, the seven layers are as follows. I'd suggest keeping the order the same, since this sequence alternates the stickier layers with the less-sticky layers, making sure each scoop stays together.
There are a lot of ways to vary this recipe to suit your own tastes and what ingredients you have on-hand. Feel free to use refried beans instead of the black bean mash (just check the ingredients to make sure they're vegan if needed, since they sometimes contain pork products). You can also switch up the veggie layers (red bell pepper, corn, and cabbage) as you like; just make sure whatever you use is finely diced so that the dip sticks together.
The recipe as written is enough for about four large (or six small) seven layer dip cups. Multiply as needed if you're hosting more people.
These party-ready individual seven layer dips are make-ahead friendly, so they're a great option for a get-together. The only limitation is that the avocado can brown. Accordingly, you'll see that the recipe calls for adding lime juice to the avocado mash and fully covering the avocado mash with the pineapple salsa; both sources of acidity will slow the browning. Thanks to these two tricks, you can make these jars up to a couple hours in advance and store them (with lids on) in the refrigerator.
If you want to get farther ahead, you can prepare all of the separate components except for the avocado mash the day before. Make the pineapple salsa, make the black bean mash, chop the pepper and cabbage, and thaw the corn; just store them all in separate containers in the refrigerator overnight. You can then assemble the seven layer dip cups an hour or two before your guests arrive.
Here's what you'll need for these individual seven layer dips, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Are you excited to try this colorful and plant-based spin on seven layer dip? The combination of the sweet and spicy pineapple salsa with decadent avocado, creamy coconut yogurt, hearty beans, and a rainbow of veggies is such a fresh update to the classic. You'll never want to go back to the heavy, monotone, cheese and sour cream version after trying this recipe.
These seven layer dip cups are a photo-worthy appetizer for anything from a summer BBQ to a cozy winter gameday party. Thanks to all the different colors, flavors, and textures, I can guarantee these will be a hit however you decide to enjoy them. Happy dipping!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
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Disclosure: This recipe has been developed through a paid partnership with Maui Gold. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.
This vegan seven layer dip with a Hawaiian twist is fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. The combination of a spicy pineapple salsa, hearty black beans, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies makes this the perfect party dip.
For the Spicy Pineapple Salsa
For the Smashed Black Beans
For the Avocado Mash
Other Components
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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