Picnic season is nearly upon us!
Actually, picnics always seem more glamorous in theory than in practice, right? The wind usually picks up at the most inopportune time sending paper plates and potato chips flying, where the heck do you put your drink, backaches, and for heaven’s sake THE BUGS.
Nah, I’d rather snag a spot at the patio table with a stable surface, heavy plate, and not share my meal with an army of ants. A giant vat of Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip in front of me while dinner sizzles on the grill!
A plethora of fresh and crunchy vegetables including 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, a weeee bit of fresh jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and store-bought Italian dressing. Mark my words, this is one of the best chip dips – EVER. It’s fresh yet zesty, both crunchy and creamy – ugh, it’s just so good! Pair with salty tortilla chips and you’ve got a perfect chip dip for game day, an appetizer before dinner, or yes…even a picnic. ;)
Plus this 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
To a large bowl add 1 chopped green bell pepper, 1 can corn that’s been drained and rinsed (or 1-3/4 cup fresh sweet corn,) 1 can black beans that’s been drained and rinsed, plus 1 minced jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed first. Despite the jalapeno, I definitely would not call this dip spicy. I have seen many a child scarf this dip down with no issues!
Also add 3 vine-ripened tomatoes that have been seeded and chopped, plus 1/2 minced red onion.
Next up is 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or more or less depending on how much you like cilantro,) 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper.
Finally, drizzle on 3/4 cup Homemade Italian Vinaigrette (or Kraft Zesty Italian salad dressing if you don’t need to eat gluten-free,) then stir to combine.
That’s all she wrote! Serve immediately with plenty of tortilla chips, or stash in the fridge overnight if you want to enjoy the next day. Either way, I hope you love this easy, flavor-packed dip recipe – enjoy!
Similar Recipes
- Pickle Wrap Dip >
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip >
- Secret Ingredient Restaurant- Style Salsa >
- The Best Fruit Dip EVER >
- Caesar Spinach and Artichoke Dip >
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Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip
Description
Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip is a party in a bowl! Fresh and crunchy, it will become a staple on game day and at parties.
Ingredients
- 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15oz can corn, drained (or 1-3/4 cup fresh or frozen-then-thawed sweet corn)
- 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, ribs and seeds removed then minced
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or more or less)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper
- 3/4 cup homemade Italian Vinaigrette (see notes) OR Zesty Italian salad dressing (not GF)
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl then mix to combine and serve with tortilla chips. Can be made a day ahead of time.
Notes
- Click here for my Homemade Italian Vinaigrette >
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
I made this for a party yesterday, and it went so fast that my husband didn’t even get to try it! It made so much that I was sure I would have leftovers, but the bowl was scraped clean. Now I have to make it again so my husband will get to taste it. :-) Great recipe!
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How many servings does this recipe make?
we add feta cheese to this and it is delish
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Yummy! This would be delicious over rice or quinoa!
Absolutely love this! I just made it for a party this evening and am pacing in front of the fridge, trying to convince myself to stay away until tonight. Thank you!!
I have been totally seduced by the amount of color rich foods in this recipe. Anything with this insane amount of color has to be ridiculously delicious!
I thought it had to be called “benis dip” hahah why did you change the hilarious name? Too…um, riské now that you’re a mum? This is such a great app; I love doing something simple like this. Fresh, not fancy is how you win the crowd!
Hahaha, don’t you worry – that’s what it’s still called “internally”. The new name has more to do with not horrifying the general public. :)
I have a similar recipe except it calls for lime juice and olive oil instead of the italian dressing. While I love it with chips, more often I make this and spoon large amounts (like 1 1/2 to 2 cups worth) over sturdy salad greens (like iceberg or romaine), add some shredded chicken or ground beef and top it off with a little bit of ranch dressing. It is to die for.
You always have the most timely recipes!!!
Yum! I make a very similar dip, except I add avocado, and instead of a bottle dressing, I use red wine vinegar and olive oil. It is the BEST in the summertime. Sometimes I eat it as a meal ;)
my family makes a very similar dip…it just screams summer to me! so fresh and bright. love it!
My aunt made something similar to this for Easter dinner this year, and she also included chickpeas! I thought it added an unexpected element to it. I love chickpeas, but my husband wouldn’t touch them! Haha :)
Peace & Sunshine,
Sammi at Sammi Sunshine- A Food Blog
This looks so fresh! I can’t wait to try it.
— Alex at Cashmere Kangaroo
this looks SO delicious! with my oven down for the count and Jersey corn starting to show up in the stores, this may become my new go to dinner! maybe so grilled chicken too? thanks for this!!
Look at all of those vibrant colors! This looks so delicious!
I make a summer salsa/dip just like this, but I use lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper instead of the italian dressing. It’s addictive and even better once its been in the fridge marinating for a while :-)