Spicy Black Bean Dip

Featured in: Snack & Appetizer Ideas

This vibrant black bean dip combines creamy beans with fresh jalapeño, zesty lime juice, and warm spices for an unforgettable appetizer. Simply blend drained black beans with jalapeño, garlic, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the heat level to your preference by controlling jalapeño amount and removing seeds for milder flavor. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro, cheese, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or use as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.

Updated on Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:26:52 GMT
A bowl of creamy Spicy Black Bean Dip garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños for a zesty kick. Save
A bowl of creamy Spicy Black Bean Dip garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños for a zesty kick. | shiftoven.com

Bring a bold and zesty flair to your next gathering with this Spicy Black Bean Dip. Blending protein-rich black beans with the kick of fresh jalapeño, bright lime juice, and a selection of aromatic Mexican-inspired spices, this dip is as nutritious as it is flavorful.

A bowl of creamy Spicy Black Bean Dip garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños for a zesty kick. Save
A bowl of creamy Spicy Black Bean Dip garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños for a zesty kick. | shiftoven.com

Whether you are prepping for a festive party snack platter, a quick afternoon bite, or a vibrant taco night, this versatile dip fits every occasion perfectly.

Ingredients

  • Beans & Vegetables
    • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and chopped (more for extra heat)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
    • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • Flavorings & Liquids
    • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
    • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1/4 tsp chili powder
    • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Garnish (optional)
    • Extra chopped cilantro
    • Crumbled feta or cotija cheese (omit for vegan)
    • Sliced jalapeños
    • Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Combine
In a food processor, combine black beans, jalapeño, garlic, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Blend
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. For a chunkier texture, pulse instead of blending continuously.
Step 3: Season
Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime, salt, or jalapeño as desired.
Step 4: Garnish
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra cilantro, cheese, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges if using.
Step 5: Serve
Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or as a spread in wraps and sandwiches.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a milder dip, use only half a jalapeño and remove all seeds before adding it to the food processor. This ensures you get the pepper's flavor without overwhelming heat.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer an even richer profile and do not require the recipe to be vegan, add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.

Serviervorschläge

This dip is excellent when served with crunchy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks. It also functions beautifully as a spread for wraps, sandwiches, or as a hearty topping for tacos and grain bowls.

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Whip up this easy appetizer in minutes and enjoy a fresh, homemade alternative to store-bought spreads that everyone will love.

Recipe Q&A

How can I adjust the heat level of this dip?

Control the spice by using half a jalapeño and removing all seeds for a milder version, or add more jalapeño with seeds for extra heat. You can also increase the chili powder for deeper spice.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it ideal for advance preparation.

How do I get a chunkier texture instead of smooth?

Instead of blending continuously, use the pulse function on your food processor or blender. This breaks down the ingredients while maintaining some texture and chunk.

What can I add to make it creamier?

Stir in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess and richness. Omit this addition if following a vegan diet.

What are good serving suggestions beyond chips and vegetables?

Use this dip as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grain bowls. It also works wonderfully as a spread in wraps, sandwiches, or alongside grilled vegetables and crackers.

Is this dip truly vegan and gluten-free?

The base recipe is entirely vegan and gluten-free, using only plant-based ingredients and naturally gluten-free spices. However, if adding cheese or dairy toppings, it becomes non-vegan. Always verify ingredient labels for confirmed allergen information.

Spicy Black Bean Dip

Bold black bean dip with jalapeño, lime, and spices. Vegan, gluten-free, and ready in 10 minutes.

Time to Prep
10 min
Time to Cook
1 min
Overall Time
11 min
Recipe by Samuel Hill


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You Need

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

01 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 1/2 tsp ground cumin
04 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/4 tsp chili powder
06 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
07 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish

01 Extra chopped cilantro
02 Crumbled feta or cotija cheese (omit for vegan)
03 Sliced jalapeños
04 Lime wedges

Directions

Step 01

Combine ingredients: In a food processor, combine black beans, jalapeño, garlic, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 02

Blend to desired consistency: Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. For a chunkier texture, pulse instead of blending continuously.

Step 03

Adjust flavoring: Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime, salt, or jalapeño as desired.

Step 04

Prepare for serving: Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra cilantro, cheese, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges if using.

Step 05

Serving suggestions: Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or as a spread in wraps and sandwiches.

Tools Needed

  • Food processor or blender
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Serving bowl

Allergy Details

Review each item to spot allergens, and consult a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens in the base recipe.
  • If adding cheese or dairy, contains milk.
  • Always check ingredient labels to confirm gluten-free and allergen status.

Nutrition (per serving)

For guidance only. Always check with a medical provider for advice.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 4 g