Fiesta Layer Dip with Corn Black Bean Salsa + Fish Tacos

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With the start of the fall season, I immediately start thinking about new food options. That includes all the comfort food I can make in the oven as the temperatures cool down, slow cooker recipes that help  make the transition to back to school easier and my personal favorite, tailgating options. We love football so when when Beano® asked if I’d like to take part in their “Be Natural” Virtual Cookoff, my mind immediately went to an appetizer I can make for game day or even the upcoming holidays.

Behold, my Fiesta Layer Dip!

4.91 from 10 votes

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Fiesta Layer Dip with Corn Black Bean Salsa

Course Appetizer

Prep Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 24

Author Emilie

Ingredients

• Corn & Black Bean Salsa:
• 1 can 14 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups frozen canned or fresh corn kernels
• 1 small red bell pepper seeded and chopped
• 1 small yellow bell pepper seeded and chopped
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes seeded
• 1/2 red onion chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsely
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 lime juiced
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dip Ingredients:
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 8 oz sour cream
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• Additional Toppings
• 3 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In large bowl, gently toss all salsa ingredients together.
2. In medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning until well combined.
3. Layer ingredients on large platter or bowl starting with cream cheese mixture, then salsa (drained), lettuce and then top with cheese.
4. Serve immediately with tortilla chips and store leftovers in refrigerator.
5. Yields approximately 12 cups

This is a very easy recipe that takes a bit of time, only due to all the chopping of the fresh veggies. But it is worth it to have the freshest ingredients possible, wouldn’t you agree?

Once the corn and black bean salsa along with the cream cheese layer are prepared, it is as simple as layering in a bowl. I used a 3 quart glass bowl with a flat bottom so all the layers could easily be seen and were evenly distributed.

While the bottom layer looks almost like hummus, it is actually cream cheese, sour cream and your favorite taco seasoning! (This can be either your favorite prepackaged variety or your favorite combination of spices for tacos.) But if you are looking for an even more natural, healthier option, hummus could easily be a substitute.

Next you’ll layer your corn and black bean salsa on top. You’ll want to use a slotted spoon or drain the salsa a bit, especially if it has a chance to sit to avoid your bottom layer getting watery. And if you are looking for a great meal time solution or simply a second option for snacking, keep two cups of the salsa out of the layer dip and save it for later use like I did!

Next up is the shredded lettuce and cheese layers. I’m getting hungry all over again just typing this out…maybe it is snack time again?

I garnished the dish with a few cherry tomatoes and parsley but olives would work well also. If you love guacamole, add that on top of the cream cheese layer too. The more, the merrier with dip, right?

If you are a fan of cilantro, you can replace the parsley in this dish with it. Unfortunately both my husband and I are one of those who thinks that herb tastes a lot like soap. Parsley still gives a little extra flavor and a whole lot of wonderful color! Throw in some seeded and chopped fresh  jalapeno for a little extra kick.

I had my husband try out the salsa before adding it to my layers and he kept trying to sneak some more out of the bowl. I can’t really blame him as the combination of flavors tastes wicked good. I decided to pull two cups of the salsa out for our dinner. We made fish tacos and rather than use my usual combination of ingredients, I opted for some leftover fresh corn and black bean salsa!

These fish tacos tasted amazing and was a lot less work for us at dinner time. Anytime I find a recipe that be used for multiple dishes, I’m one happy camper!

With all these fabulous options using fresh ingredients, it would be a shame to tarnish the memory with any gas. The sponsor of this virtual cookoff, Beano^®  is the maker of an easy to take pill and meltaway containing a  natural enzyme which prevents gas before it starts. Sounds like  perfect fit with all of these natural but gas producing ingredients!

Be sure to watch for more information regarding the “Be Natural” Virtual Cookoff and wish me luck as a finalist!

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Disclosure: I am participating in a sponsored campaign for Beano®. I received promotional items and Beano® products in exchange for my participation. The opinions stated here are my own.