Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: This black bean dip recipe is creamy and subtly spicy but it’s also healthy, low fat, and so easy to make! Use it as a dip or vegetarian sandwich spread.
How long it takes: 10 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: food processor
Servings: makes 1¾ cups
The Best Black Bean Dip
Creamy bean dip, made with black beans, flavored with taco seasoning and a hint of lime, is a healthy alternative to store-bought bean dip. You don’t have to feel guilty about this dip and you’ll enjoy every bite! It’s super easy to make.
Dip: Keep a bowl of black bean dip in the refrigerator, along with cut up veggies, and you have a ready-made, satisfying snack or light lunch. It’s really great with these homemade baked tortilla chips, too, and they are made with practically no oil at all.
Sandwiches/wraps: This dip makes a killer sandwich or wrap spread as well; it adds tons of flavor and is only 28 calories per 2 tablespoons.
Bean quesadilla: For a simple lunch, spread the bean dip on a whole wheat tortilla, sprinkle it with cheese, fold it in half and throw it in the toaster oven until the cheese is melty. Kids love it!
About This Black Bean Dip Recipe
Uncomplicated. There are only five ingredients in this bean dip recipe. All it takes is a few minutes with your food processor and you’ll have this dip made and ready, for whenever and however you want to enjoy it.
Easy to double. Simply use 2 cans of beans and increase the other ingredients. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
Anyone can enjoy it. This bean dip is vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free. It’s a great appetizer for game day or any friendly get-together. I use my homemade taco seasoning but if you opt for a store-bought version, be sure to read the label and purchase one that contains only spices, and no additives or preservatives.
Ingredient Notes
- Black Beans: Look for reduced sodium beans. You’ll need one can of beans, rinsed and drained, or about 2 cups. If you prefer to make your own from scratch using dry beans, try using your Instant Pot. It’s amazingly easy and you don’t even have to soak the beans first.
- Taco Seasoning: Whether homemade or store-bought, this combination of spices (chili powder, cumin, Mexican oregano, red pepper flakes, paprika, and more) makes it really easy to season the dip. It has just a hint of heat and won’t cause fire to come out of your ears.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Most bean dips have a little acidity to keep them fresh tasting and bright. Often vinegar is added but lime goes so well with the flavors.
- Fresh Cilantro: There’s really no substitute for this. Rinse the cilantro well and shake as much of the water off as possible. Use the leaves and tender stems. Since it’s all going in the food processor, there’s no need to do any fancy chopping.
- Avocado: Did you know that avocados are so good for you? They have lots of healthy fats and fiber, along with important nutrients (Healthline). Avocado adds creamy yumminess to the dip. Don’t limit your avocado intake to guacamole as tempting as that may be!
How To Make Black Bean Dip
Get your food processor out and insert the S-blade.
Add ingredients to food processor. Open the can of beans and pour them into a small colander. Rinse them with cool water and drain well. Add the beans to the food processor, along with the taco seasoning, lime juice, cilantro, and avocado.
Process until smooth. Process the ingredients until the dip looks smooth. You will probably have to stop it once or twice to scrape the sides. We like to leave it a little chunky but that’s up to you. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, through the chute, as necessary to get the right consistency.
Refrigerate. Using a small rubber or silicone scraper, transfer the dip from the food processor into a bowl or container with a lid. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Recipe Variations
- Like it spicy? Add extra chili powder or chipotle chili powder. A dash of hot pepper sauce does the trick, too. If you love garlic, add a clove or two of roughly chopped garlic to the food processor along with the other ingredients.
- Substitute pinto beans for the black beans. Many bean dips are made with pinto beans so it may look more familiar to you. If you’d like to cook your own pinto beans using dry beans, try my Instant Pot pinto beans.
- Rather have a warm dip? This dip can be served warm with Mexican blend cheese melted on top. Spread the dip in a shallow baking dish or cast iron skillet, sprinkle on shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Like refried beans? Make refried bean dip (with cream cheese) or easy Instant Pot refried beans or crockpot refried beans.
- If you’re looking for a layered dip, be sure to try my 7 layer dip. It’s dangerously good!
Store the bean dip in a covered container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Although I haven’t tested it, I’m pretty sure it can be successfully frozen, too.
More Bean Dip Recipes
- Healthy Southwestern Black Bean Dip (similar to this one but with extra protein thanks to a secret ingredient!
- Black Bean and Avocado Salad (sometimes known as Cowboy Caviar)
- Black Bean Corn Salsa — a fresh salsa that isn’t anything like the canned version
- Classic Homemade Hummus
- Edamame Dip
Dips & Spreads
Black Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained (reduced sodium, if possible)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (see note)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ cup firmly packed fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
- ½ large avocado or 1 small avocado
- 2 tablespoons water (more as needed to achieve desired consistency)
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, scraping sides as needed.1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, ½ cup firmly packed fresh cilantro, ½ large avocado or 1 small avocado
- Add water, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve desired consistency.2 tablespoons water
- Refrigerate in a covered container until ready to use. Makes 1 ¾ cups. Enjoy with vegetables, chips, or as a sandwich spread.
Notes
- Taco seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet of taco seasoning or use 1 tablespoon of homemade taco seasoning.
- Storage: Dip will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bean substitution: If you prefer, use pinto beans instead of black beans.
- Add spice: For a spicy dip, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, or hot pepper sauce.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
Love how fast this recipe is to make!! Such a yummy recipe.
Fast is the only way to go!
Looks yummy…..how long does it keep in the fridge?
Should be good for 3-4 days. :)
This is like all my fave taco or burrito fillings in a spoonable form. I think I would just eat this. The photos are striking! :)
Thank you SO much for that! It’s not easy to make bean dip look attractive :)
Sounds great, just worried I’d be the only one to eat it.
You literally put all of my favorite things in one bowl!
We eat black beans all the time so this is another great way to use them. Looks yummy!
I made something SO similar to this for the game Sunday. Such a great idea to use for a sandwich spread!!
Cassie! Hi, stranger! Thanks for popping in! :)
This dip is great to eat with bread or tortilla. Easy to make and healthy. Many people still eat to much meat and too little legumes. Thanks for this recipe ! It’s spicy and good for me. But do you have an idea what kind of herbs and seasoning can a use to make it good for a child?
My five year old loved this – it’s not too spicy. But you could reduce the taco seasoning to fit your taste.
Dips – this is my favorite way to smuggle healthy ingredients for bread! Beans & avocado – great combination of valuable vegetable protein. And a little bit of lime antioxidants – you created the king of sandwiches :)