Taco Dip Recipe

This easy taco dip recipe will be the hit of your next party! A creamy, cheesy taco-seasoned base is topped with lettuce, cheese, tomato, and more—and it’s completely vegan too.

Taco dip is a fiesta in a dish! Imagine all the zesty Tex-Mex flavours of the best vegan tacos, but layered in a creamy dip that you scoop up with your favourite tortilla chips. And as a bonus: it’s completely plant-based!

This taco dip recipe is popular not only because it tastes incredible, but also because it’s super easy to make, versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a casual hangout with friends, taco dip fits right in.

The best part is that you can tweak it to your liking. More heat? Add pickled jalapeños. Not a fan of tomatoes? Skip them. This is taco dip recipe you can easily make your own.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Dip Recipe

• Easy vegan swaps. Use store-bought vegan substitutes and this recipe is a breeze! Prefer to keep things more natural? You can also use homemade plant-based sour cream and cream cheese if you prefer.
• Simple to make. Entertaining is stressful, so easy recipes like this taco dip are a sanity saver! It takes just a few minutes to whip up, which leaves you more time for all your other party prep.
• Customisable. You can add or subtract any ingredients to put your own spin on this taco dip recipe.
• Crowd-pleaser for parties. Whether it’s a potluck, game night, or just a get-together with friends, this taco dip will be the star of the show. No one can resist!

Notes on Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

For the Dip:

• Vegan sour cream – Use store-bought or my homemade vegan sour cream.
• Vegan cream cheese – Again, you can make your own vegan cream cheese, or buy it at the grocery store.
• Taco seasoning – No need to open up a bunch of spice jars—just buy a blend!
• Chipotle chili in adobo – This adds heat and a smoky flavour.
• Nutritional yeast – For cheesiness without the cheese.

For the Topping:

• Shredded iceberg lettuce – Buy a bag of pre-shredded lettuce or pick some up from your grocery store’s salad bar to make prep easier.
• Shredded vegan cheddar – A plant-based pepper jack would be delicious too!
• Roma tomato – Halved grape or quartered cherry tomatoes also work.
• Canned green chilis – You can use either mild or hot, depending on your preferences.
• Black olives – If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or substitute something else, like green onions or pickled red onions.

How to Make This Taco Dip Recipe

• Blend. Add all of the dip ingredients to a blender. Turn it on and blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
• Assemble. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Top it with the iceberg lettuce, vegan cheddar cheese, tomato, green chilis, and black olives.

Can I Make This Taco Dip Recipe Ahead?

Absolutely! If you’re planning to serve this at a party, you can blend the dip base up to two days before and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just before serving, do the final assembly with the fresh toppings to ensure they remain crisp and vibrant.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the sour cream and cream cheese are room temperature. This makes it easier to mix them together for a smooth, evenly-seasoned dip.
• Chill if needed. Sometimes a blitz in the blender can warm up foods like taco dip. You can transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill a bit before adding the toppings and serving.
• Customize your spice levels. Start with a conservative amount of chipotle in adobo, then taste and adjust according to your preference.
• No blender? No problem! You can simply stir everything together in a mixing bowl. Just be sure to soften your cream cheese first to make it easier to mix.

Variations

• Add a layer of guacamole. Before adding the lettuce and other toppings, spread a thick layer of guacamole over the dip base for even more creaminess. This is also an easy way to get more servings out of this taco dip recipe!
• Make a refried bean layer. For added protein and fiber, you can include a layer of vegan refried beans beneath the shredded lettuce.
• Include a salsa layer. Try black bean avocado and corn salsa or pineapple salsa, which adds some sweet-and-tangy flavour.
• Make it spicier with hot sauce or jalapeños. If you and your guests enjoy heat, don’t hesitate to add a drizzle of your favourite hot sauce over the top or mix sliced jalapeños into one of the layers.

Serving Suggestions

Tortilla chips are the natural pairing with taco dip, but that’s not your only option! Here are some other delicious dippers for your taco dip:

• Veggies like sliced bell peppers, carrot sticks, celery sticks, or cucumber rounds.
• Crackers like wheat crackers, pita chips, or gluten-free varieties made with seeds or nuts.
• Toasted baguette slices are a tasty option with some added crunch, or cut pieces of no-knead bread.

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer any remaining dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. While the dip itself keeps well, the fresh toppings might lose their crispness over time.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

You can freeze the taco dip base for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag, but I do not recommend freezing once the toppings are added, as they won’t freeze and thaw well.

More Crowd-Pleasing Vegan Dip Recipes

• Pretzel Dip
• Perfect Homemade Hummus
• Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Creamy Vegan Queso
• Vegan Whipped Feta Dip

Enjoy friends! If you make this taco dip recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!

Print

Taco Dip Recipe

This easy taco dip recipe has a creamy taco-seasoned base topped with lettuce, cheese, tomato, olives and more. It’s completely vegan too!

Course Appetizers, Dips, Snacks

Cuisine American, tex mex

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 10 servings

Calories 192kcal

Author Jessica Hylton

Ingredients

For the dip:

• 1 ½ cups vegan sour cream 340 grams, at room temperature
• 1 cup vegan cream cheese 225 grams, at room temperature
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning 28 grams
• 1 chili in adobo more if you want spicier
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 21 grams

For the topping:

• ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce 36 grams
• ⅓ cup shredded vegan cheddar 75 grams
• ½ Roma tomato diced
• ¼ cup canned green chilis, drained 37 grams
• ¼ cup sliced black olives 45 grams

Instructions

• Add the vegan sour cream, vegan cream cheese, taco seasoning, chili in adobo, and nutritional yeast to a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined.
• Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top with iceberg lettuce, vegan cheddar cheese, tomato, green chilis, and black olives.

Notes

To store: Transfer any remaining dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. While the dip itself keeps well, the fresh toppings might lose their crispness over time.

To freeze: You can freeze the taco dip base for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag, but I do not recommend freezing once the toppings are added, as they won’t freeze and thaw well.

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 590mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 328IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Plant-Based Diet Help You Lose Weight?

Yes, a plant-based diet is able to help you lose weight. Eating a variety fruits and veggies, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and other plant-based foods can help you feel full, without the need to consume extra calories or unhealthy fats. A well-rounded vegan meal plan is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol-containing foods like red meat and processed snacks that tend to add weight instead of take it away. Additionally, research shows that following a plant-based diet may help boost metabolism and lower some risk factors for obesity, such as inflammation. The addition of healthy, fiber-rich ingredients and the elimination of starches, sugars and white bread can support weight loss, while also providing vital vitamins and minerals necessary to keep your body healthy.

Can you still eat at restaurants if you eat a plant-based diet

Many restaurants now offer plant-based menu options. Many new vegan restaurants are appearing in large cities, providing delicious options for vegetarians. There are also vegetarian-friendly options available in most mainstream restaurants, so there is still plenty of opportunity to enjoy restaurant offerings while eating a plant-based diet. Look for recipes that use vegetables, legumes, or beans as the star. Incorporate vinegar and healthy oils instead of mayonnaise or dressings high in saturated fat. Do not be afraid to ask your server whether certain items can be made vegan.

Additionally, consider researching vegan cookbooks in advance for ideas about what proteins can replace meats and rich sauces. Most restaurants are very accommodating to guests that eat a plant-based diet and will do their best to accommodate the customer's needs. Easy to enjoy a plantbased meal at a restaurant if you are creative and willing to do some research.

What happens when I stop eating pork?

You will notice changes in your body when you stop eating meat. The transition from animal protein to plant-based proteins (beans, legumes beans, whole grains, nuts and soy-based products) can lead to a diet that is higher in fiber, lower in saturated fat, and possibly more healthy. This can help improve your heart health and digestive health. In addition, this will result in a greater energy level and a better digestion. The ability to reduce stress hormones caused by excessive animal protein consumption may make your moods more stable. It is becoming more popular to switch to a plant-based diet to reduce environmental damage from factory farming.

Is it difficult to switch to a plant-based diet?

You may find it intimidating to make the transition to a plantbased diet. It is possible to change slowly to a plantbased diet. You can also make adjustments that are manageable. Because everyone is unique, it is important that you tailor the transition for your particular lifestyle. It is important to plan meals around whole foods and not processed food to facilitate the transition. This will ensure that you get enough macronutrients, essential vitamins, and minerals. It helps to create meals that people enjoy and suit their dietary needs.

A support system of friends, family, and certified healthcare professionals can help people stay on track to their goals for a plant-based lifestyle transition. Cooking new recipes can bring excitement and variety to the journey. Plenty of delicious vegan options exist so that no one feels deprived or bored when making this dietary change. It is important to slowly change while being mindful of your daily nutrient intake in order to make a plant-based transition.

Can I eat chicken while following a plant-based lifestyle?

No, eating chicken on a plant-based diet is not possible. Plant-based diets eliminate all animal products including poultry, fish, meat, and fish. Many vegan alternatives to traditionally meat-centric recipes offer the same flavor without using animal products. Many soy-based meats, such as seitan (wheat Gluten), tempeh(fermented soybeans), mock duck (made from mushrooms), can be mimicked in flavor to traditional meats. Vegetarian vegetarian burgers made from black bean or quinoa taste just as good. Additionally, coconut bacon strips or eggplant bacon bits; tofu mayo; veggie hot dogs made with seasoned textured soy protein; and faux chicken strips from wheat gluten offer tasty alternatives that do not require animal products.

Can I eat eggs if I follow a plant-based diet

Eggs are not allowed on a plant-based diet. This diet eliminates all animal products including eggs, meat, fish, poultry and fish. However, several vegan substitutes for traditionally egg-centric dishes offer similar flavor and texture without relying on animal products. For example, tofu scrambles or omelets make great breakfast dishes with the same look and feel as eggs while providing plant-based protein; chickpea flour or mashed up banana can replace eggs as binding agents in baked goods; and aquafaba (the liquid found in a can of chickpeas) can act as a vegan egg white alternative when making meringues or other desserts. Additionally, egg replacers like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water substituted for one large egg can help keep non-vegan recipes intact without sacrificing taste.

Statistics

• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
• In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

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• Scientific Reports: Case-control study on the relationship between breast cancer risk and plant-based dietary practices


• The carbon opportunity cost of animal-sourced food production on land

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• ScienceDirect - Plant-Based Diets For Personal, Planetary, and Population Health

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• How common is vitamin B-12 deficiency? Oxford Academic

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• Effects of plant-based diets on weight status: A systematic review - PMC


• Health professionals should use plant-based nutrition as a means to treat and prevent chronic diseases. PMC

How To

How do you include more whole foods in a plant-based diet

A plant-based diet will provide you with more nutrients and vitamins. Start by replacing animal protein and processed foods with more nutritious options like legumes, seeds and nuts. These foods provide nourishment, so make sure to include whole grains, fruits, veggies, and nuts regularly.

It is important to include a wide range of colors in your meals. You can boost your immunity by using colorful ingredients, such as red pepper strips or black beans, spinach and corn muffins. Configure meal plans according to seasonal produce with recipes that tantalize each taste bud - casseroles, stir-fries & smoothies are surefire crowd-pleasers!

Whole foods have a much longer shelf life than processed ones, which can be advantageous. Taking an hour per week to plan out meals ahead of time can help you shop confidently for vegan-friendly ingredients that don't spoil easily; this creates less waste and makes shopping trips quicker.

To create a sustainable balanced lifestyle, you should explore all possible options. From making vegan cookies to substituting fish for chicken, there are many ways to do this. Experimentation is the key to managing your food choices without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Resources:

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