Spicy Black Bean Zesty Dip (Printable Version)

A zesty blend of black beans, lime, jalapeño, and spices perfect for flavorful snacking.

# Components:

→ Beans & Vegetables

01 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

→ Flavorings & Liquids

06 - 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (approximately 2 limes)
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 tsp chili powder
11 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

13 - Extra chopped cilantro
14 - Crumbled feta or cotija cheese (omit for vegan)
15 - Sliced jalapeños
16 - Lime wedges

# Preparation steps:

01 - In a food processor, add black beans, jalapeño, garlic, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
02 - Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. For a chunkier texture, pulse instead of continuous blending.
03 - Taste and modify seasoning by adding more lime juice, salt, or jalapeño to preference.
04 - Spoon mixture into a serving bowl and garnish with extra cilantro, cheese, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges as desired.
05 - Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or use as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready before anyone even finishes opening a bag of chips, which somehow makes it taste better.
  • The heat builds slowly, sneaking up on you in the best way, and you can control exactly how much kick it gets.
  • One batch disappears fast and nobody realizes it's vegan until someone asks if there's dairy in it.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned beans or your dip will be thick and pasty instead of creamy, a lesson I learned by watching someone's face fall when they tasted it.
  • Lime juice is not optional—it's what keeps this from tasting like bean paste; it brightens everything and makes people ask what makes it taste so good.
03 -
  • If you don't have a food processor, a blender works perfectly, or you can even mash it with a fork and wooden spoon for a heartier texture that some people actually prefer.
  • The secret that changed everything for me was realizing that you can make this dip the night before, let the flavors sit and deepen together, and it tastes even better the next day.
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