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Black Bean Dip

lack Bean Dip

A creamy, zesty, and incredibly easy homemade black bean dip that comes together in just 5 minutes. Perfect for dipping tortilla chips or spreading onto tacos and quesadillas!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: american-mexican
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 15 ounces each black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chunky salsa mild or medium
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 lime
  • 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 small jalapeno seeded and chopped (optional, for heat)
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Equipment

  • Food processor or standard countertop blender
  • Can opener
  • Silicone spatula for scraping the sides
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Rinse the Beans: Open the cans of black beans, pour them into a fine mesh strainer, and rinse them thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Let them drain well.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor or a blender, add the rinsed black beans, chunky salsa, fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, chopped garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and the chopped jalapeno if you are using it.
  3. Blend Until Smooth: Pulse the mixture a few times to get everything moving. Then, blend continuously for about 30 to 45 seconds until the dip reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunky dip, simply pulse it a few fewer times. If the mixture is too thick for your blender, add 1 tablespoon of water or extra lime juice to help it along.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Stop the machine and use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides. Taste the dip and add an extra pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime juice, or more cilantro if desired.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish the top with a few whole black beans, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately with salty tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, or pita chips.

Notes

Salsa Shortcut: Using your favorite store-bought chunky salsa is a massive time-saver because it already contains diced tomatoes, onions, and extra seasoning. If you do not have salsa, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of water and a quarter of a diced red onion.
Make It Creamy: If you want a richer, creamier texture that mimics a restaurant-style bean dip, blend in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or 2 tablespoons of sour cream (use dairy-free sour cream to keep it vegan).
Storage: This dip actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.