mexican seven layer dip

Every good Super Bowl Party needs great snack food and if you live in Texas my guess is you've had some version of Mexican Seven Layer Dip. The original version, or at least the one that I've seen most often, consists of ground beef, refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, queso, salsa and olives. Don't get me wrong, it tastes great, but after looking at all the components, I realized this would be a cinch to make a little healthier!

If you're worried that it won't taste as good, don't. It's delicious. I brought it to a party a few years ago and no one even noticed that it was "light"! Basically I just substituted healthier ingredients for a few of the layers and nixed the sour cream and olives — only because I don't care for either. If you like those, use them! Just use low-fat sour cream rather than regular.

Then the chips. That's what gets you in trouble...fried little devils. Opt for baked tortilla chips or Xochitl brand chips. Their's have been baked and quick fried. They're not greasy AT ALL and have very little salt, making them a much better choice than Tostitos.

Happy, healthy Super Bowl! (Just don't tell them!)

*Not my image, I'm waiting until the day of to make mine so that the avocado doesn't turn brown, fyi!

Seven Layer Dip, Done Light
Layer One: 1 lb. ground turkey & 1 packet taco seasoning, low sodium
Layer Two: 2 cans fat-free refried beans (yes, these exist)
Layer Three: 3 avocados, 1 limes, 1/2 bunch cilantro salt and pepper
Layer Four: 1/2 bunch cilantro,1 bunch scallions, 1 jalapeno pepper — all chopped fine
Layer Five: 1 cup of canned corn, drained and rinsed
Layer Six: Store-bought pico de gallo or salsa
Layer Seven: 3/4 cup reduced-fat white cheddar, grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a skillet, brown the ground turkey and add the taco seasoning according to directions. In a greased baking dish, pour the meat in. On top of the meat, add the beans, it helps to warm them up first. Make guacamole by mashing avocados together and adding lime juice, cilantro and salt and pepper. Add to baking dish. Top with layers 4, 5, 6 and 7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Serve with baked tortilla chips.