Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip is a party in a bowl! Fresh, healthy, and crunchy, it's a staple at parties and get togethers!
The most important thing you need to know about my Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip is that its so delicious I’ve been making it for nearly every party, get-together, potluck, and game-day situation for the past 20+ years.
Each time I dig in with a crunchy tortilla chip I say to myself, “Wow, this is even better than I remember!”
Fresh, healthy, crispy, creamy, bold, and zesty, this easy black bean dip recipe stands the test of time.
Southwestern Black Bean Dip
A plethora of fresh and crunchy vegetables including fresh bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and corn form the base of this healthy dip recipe that’s rounded out by the addition of black beans, minced jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and Italian dressing.
Phew!
Mark my words, this is one of the best, most flavorful chip dips you’ll ever make and I love that, as an added bonus, it’s incredibly healthy too.
Plus this chip dip is able to be made up to a day ahead of time so it can be ready to party when you are!
How to Make This Recipe
Start by chopping the fresh ingredients then add them to a large mixing bowl. We’ve got:
- Green bell pepper
- Vine-ripened tomatoes
- Black beans
- Sweet corn
- Minced jalapeno
- Red onion
I would not call this recipe spicy at all with the addition of one minced jalapeno. That said, it’s ok to leave it out if you are incredibly sensitive to spice. On the flip side, feel free to double the jalapeno!
Next add chopped cilantro, a minced garlic clove, a bit of cumin, plus salt and pepper.
Lastly, drizzle on Italian Dressing, which brings all the ingredients together, then stir to combine. I like Ken’s Zesty Italian or my Homemade Italian Vinaigrette for the job.
Unlike cream cheese based dips, which benefit from being refrigerated for several hours to let the flavors meld before serving, this fresh and crunchy dip is ready to be dipped into with salty tortilla chips immediately. Or, feel free to make 24 hours ahead of time.
Whenever you devour — enjoy!
More Chip Busting Dips
- Crock Pot Reuben Dip
- Dirty Martini Dip
- Pickle Wrap Dip
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip
- Restaurant- Style Salsa
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Roasted Garlic and Prosciutto Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Honey
- Boursin Bruschetta Dip
Ingredients
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can corn, drained (or 1-3/4 cup fresh or frozen-then-thawed sweet corn)
- 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded then chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded then chopped
- 1/2 red onion, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, ribs and seeds removed then minced
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, or more or less
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper
- 3/4 cup Zesty Italian Vinaigrette, see notes
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl then mix to combine.
- Can be made ahead and chilled.
Notes
- I like Ken's Zesty Italian Dressing for this recipe, or my Homemade Italian Vinaigrette.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
This dip looks amazeballs!!I love all ur recipes on ur blog!! One question though, i hate packaged Italian dressings, would u suggest to make my own vinaigrette that would be similar? Thanks so much!!
Lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and if you like a little garlic. Tastier and healthier than bottled dressing for sure!
Uh oh. You’re gonna have to duke it out with Novotny…for my money, his “Cowboy Salsa” is the best around. I declare a bean dip throw down challenge…I volunteer to be the judge!
Bahaha it’s on!! He’s going down! ;)
Glad you are re-posting some of the old recipes! I feel like I’d never get through them by searching, so love this idea!
we call this cowboy caviar at my house. and it’s amazing every time. i like the zesty italian kick, so good.
also, i have been craving a picnic too for some reason, although i have no idea why…it’s not like i’ve always gone picnicing, and really they can be more trouble than they’re worth!
I have a similar recipe, and it is FABULOUS over baked potatoes!
Wow, there is nothing better than a fresh a delicious dip. Never would have thought to put the Italian dressing in it, definitely giving this a try…I like my extra spicy might be adding extra jalapenos! Thanks for posting.
Um..Southwestern Black Bean dip? I prefer Beanis dip!! :)
We make this dip but it is called Redneck Caviar!! And it’s best served with fritos, to make it extra redneck ;)
This looks delicious, there is nothing I love more than a good dip! I could eat fresh cilantro by the handful!
this dip looks faaaantastic. I can’t wait to have it as an appetizer. or snack. or dinner. or midnight snack.
I rarely post comments but I had to post regarding this recipe. I have been following the blog for many years and this is the absolute best recipe I have found on the blog. I have made it multiple times over the years and every time guess Rave about it and ask for the recipe. You guys have to make this!
Love me some black beans…soups, salad, burgers and dips! Can’t wait to whip it out!
Oh jeez I so agree about the picnics. We got two really beautiful picnic baskets for wedding gifts and the one time we used them for an actual picnic, it was a disaster. I love eating outside but give me a table please!!
That dip looks so nice and fresh…I think it would also be awesome over some grilled chicken :)