Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious; this Easy Black Bean Dip is the perfect dip for your next healthy snack or appetizer. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and vegan, so anyone can indulge!
It seems like most of the world is fascinated by the concept of dips. We’re constantly looking for dips that we can pair with our food; whether we’re eating chips, veggies, tacos, burgers, etc. I am certainly no exception to the rule, I absolutely adore dips!
Dips are such a fun way of adding flavor to whatever you’re eating, but many people think hear the word “dip” and automatically assume it’s unhealthy. Sure, if you’re dipping your food in ranch or cheese dip, it’s probably not the most healthy pairing. However, dips like this Easy Black Bean Dip are just as healthy as they are delicious.
Black beans are loaded with fiber and protein, bringing a ton of added nutrition to the table. Or, in this case, your dinner table. When paired with a dipper like baked chips or raw vegetables, this dish makes the ideal healthy snack choice.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, barbecue, game day party, or just looking for a healthy afternoon snack to munch on, this black bean dip is exactly what you need.
Key Ingredients For This Dish
Made with just 6 ingredients, this simple dish comes together with ease. The key ingredients you will need for this dish include:
- Black beans: This is the base of our dish! Loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients, these flavorful beans make the perfect base.
- Salsa: This can be any salsa of your choice and adds a ton of bright flavors to the dip.
- Cilantro: This fresh herb is loaded with vibrant flavors that complement the rest of the ingredients in a really beautiful way.
- Lime juice: This adds acidity and brightness to the dish.
- Fresh garlic: This adds a slight bite, aromatics, and lots of flavor.
- Cumin: This rich and earthy spice adds a lot of depth to the flavor profile of our bean dip.
What to Serve With Black Bean Dip
My favorite way to serve this flavorful dip is by pairing it with baked chips (tortilla chips, pita chips, etc.) and fresh vegetables. Any raw vegetables of your choice will work, but some of the most common choices are bell peppers, celery, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
You can also add this dip to your favorite Southwestern or Mexican-inspired salad as a protein-packed topping. Not a fan of salads? No problem. Try using it as a spread in your next veggie wrap! This is one of my favorite ways to use the leftovers.
Recipe Tips
- If you don’t have fresh limes on hand, you can use lime juice concentrate.
- If needed, you can add water to the food processor a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic at home, you can substitute one clove for 1/8th teaspoon of garlic powder.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne powder or use hot salsa in the dish.
- If you don’t like cilantro, fresh parsley will slightly alter the flavor of the dip but will still taste delicious. Alternatively, you could leave out fresh herbs entirely.
- For a cheesy twist, add some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the top of the dip and heat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese has just begun to melt.
- Add your leftover black bean dip to your favorite wrap, burrito, or salad for a delicious addition of protein and flavor!
How to Store
If you wind up with leftovers of this Easy Black Bean Dip, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight bag or container for up to 5 days. I would not recommend freezing it, as this would alter the texture of the dip. When you’re ready to eat some more, you can eat it cold or let it come back up to room temperature before enjoying it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dish
Are black beans healthy
100% yes! Black beans are incredibly high in protein and fiber, making them an ultra healthy choice for a snack. They keep you full longer than low-fiber foods, so they’ll keep you from reaching for more food in an hour like you typically would after eating empty calorie foods.
What kind of salsa should I use?
That is entirely up to you and your flavor preference. Keep in mind that the texture (chunky or smooth) really doesn’t matter because it will be blended into the black bean dip. You can choose a mild or spicy salsa, depending on what you like. Just choose your favorite salsa and go from there!
Is this dip spicy?
It’s only as spicy as you make it! None of the ingredients in the dip are inherently spicy, unless you choose to use a spicy salsa.
What can I use instead of cumin?
If you don’t have cumin, you can substitute it for a dried spice with a similar flavor profile like coriander, chili powder, paprika, or taco seasoning.
Can I freeze black bean dip?
I haven’t tested this out personally, but I would advise against freezing the dip. When dips are frozen and then thawed, their creamy texture is altered and they won’t end up tasting nearly as good as they did before they were frozen.
More Healthy Black Bean Recipes:
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Southwest Black Bean Egg Muffins
- Butternut Squash and Black Bean Tacos
- Jalapeno Cheddar Black Bean Burgers
- Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas