Black Bean And Corn Salsa Dip With Cream Cheese
Summer is the perfect season for refreshing and delicious snacks. One of the most popular and easy-to-make snacks is black bean and corn salsa dip with cream cheese. This salsa dip is a great appetizer for any occasion, from barbeques to game nights. It is also a healthier alternative to other dips, as it is packed with vegetables and protein.
Ingredients
The first step to making black bean and corn salsa dip with cream cheese is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- One can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- One can of corn (drained)
- One red bell pepper (diced)
- One green bell pepper (diced)
- Half a red onion (diced)
- Two cloves of garlic (minced)
- Four tablespoons of lime juice
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- One teaspoon of chili powder
- One teaspoon of cumin
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- One package of cream cheese (softened)
- Tortilla chips for serving
Make sure to rinse the black beans and drain the corn before using them. You can also use fresh corn instead of canned if you prefer.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to start making the dip:
- In a large bowl, mix together the black beans, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, and garlic.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the black bean mixture and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix the package of softened cream cheese until it is smooth.
- Spoon the black bean mixture into a serving dish, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Spread the cream cheese evenly over the top of the black bean mixture.
- Chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
- When ready to serve, garnish the dip with fresh cilantro and serve with tortilla chips.
This dip is best served chilled, so make sure to keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Variations
Black bean and corn salsa dip with cream cheese is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations that you can try:
- Spice it up: If you like your dip with a little more heat, add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Add some meat: For a heartier dip, add some cooked and crumbled ground beef or shredded chicken.
- Try different beans: Black beans are a popular choice for this recipe, but you can also use kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer.
- Make it vegan: To make this recipe vegan, leave out the cream cheese and use a vegan cream cheese substitute instead.
Conclusion
Black bean and corn salsa dip with cream cheese is a delicious and healthy snack that is perfect for summer gatherings. With its colorful mix of vegetables and protein-packed black beans, it is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and customize. Serve it with tortilla chips and enjoy!