This cheesy, Mexican-inspired quinoa dip is packed with protein and veggies for a semi-healthy tailgating treat!
This week I’m sharing tailgate-style recipes as part of #10DaysofTailgate, the special blogging event I am participating in through the rest of the month. This event has been graciously organized by Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla. While you’re thinking about it, be sure to pop over here to read all about the event and enter the giveaway. You won’t regret it! 🙂
One tailgating [or homegating] staple for me is dips. Cheesy, creamy, delectable dips that I can dunk tortilla chips in are my favorite thing ever! Notice that I didn’t say I’d dip veggies in dip. I’m not above healthifying a cheesy recipe, but I AM above dipping veggies in a cheesy dip. That’s just weird. For dips, tortilla chips > veggies, imo.
This Hot Mexican Quinoa Dip is full of all my favorite things! It’s a twist off of seven layer dip, and it’s even more delicious because it’s hot, gooey, and bubbly. I don’t think there are quite seven layers: black beans [pureed with garlic, cayenne, cilantro, and cottage cheese–weird-ish I know, but adds protein and makes ’em creamy], quinoa, cheese, bell peppers, salsa, avocado, tomatoes, green onion, and cilantro. I guess that’s nine layers! Extra yum, huh?
Ben and I ate almost the entire pan of this one Saturday night while watching a movie–it is that good! It almost reminds me of a black bean quinoa casserole that I’ve made before, except you eat it with chips so it’s extra fun. For some reason I feel a bit uninspired writing about it… but know this: it is amazing and addicting and perfect for anything from tailgating to a girls’ night in! Enjoy!
one year ago: Sweet ‘n Spicy Apple BBQ Chicken & Slaw
three years ago: Homemade Chipotle Bowls
four years ago: Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip
Hot Mexican Quinoa Dip
from The Lean Green Bean
Ingredients:
for the beans
- 2 cups black beans
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup water
for remaining ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup shredded cheese – cheddar, Mexican blend, etc. your choice!
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- hot sauce, optional
- tortilla chips, for serving
Directions:
Grease a 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a food processor, combine all ingredients for the beans and process until mostly all ingredients are incorporated. It doesn’t have to be completely smooth. Add extra water if necessary to thin it out.
Spread half of the bean mixture on the bottom of the pan. Top with half of the quinoa, half the bell pepper, half the cheese, and half the salsa. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Let cool for a few minutes, then top with avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions. Serve with tortilla chips and hot sauce if desired.
Starters
Beer Battered Fried Pickles with Pickle Dipping Sauce by Debbi Does Dinner Healthy
DBLT Wraps by Miss Laura’s Kitchen
Jalapeno Beer Cheese Soup by From Gate to Plate
Bacon-Wrapped Potato Wedges by Making Miracles
Dips
Hot Mexican Quinoa Dip by The Pajama Chef
Deviled Egg Dip by From Gate to Plate
Mains
Pretzel Dogs El Diablo by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Carrot Habanero Duck Meatballs by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Curried Maple Leaf Farms Duck Mini Meat Pies by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Sweets
Quince Butter Thumbprint Cookies by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
The Pajama Chef 
That looks fantastic!! Love the combination of flavors and textures; perfect for #10DaysofTailgate! 🙂
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thank you, rebekah!
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It sounds inspiring to me. Yum
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thanks, wendy!
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With these flavors I’m tempted to eat it with a spoon – forget the chips and go for it!
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yes, i definitely did that too!
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Quinoa and cottage cheese! How unusual! Love them both but never had them in a warm dip. I must try this, I actually have everything in my pantry or fridge!
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thank you! yes, it was a bit unusual but you couldn’t even taste the cottage cheese and i love quinoa so i just went with it. 🙂 hope you try it out!
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Oh I would eat this in one sitting too!! Love the spices and the fact you made it healthier 🙂
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thanks zainab!
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Quinoa has been a favorite of mine for years. This looks delicious!! I have to try this!
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thank you! you should 🙂
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Nice spin on a classic. I love black beans and quinoa together.
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me too! black beans and quinoa, black beans and rice, black beans and everything 🙂
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