What do you get when you add 3 colors to a delicious 4^th of July snack?

…a festive 7 layer bean dip!!!

Most traditional 7-layer bean dips call for whole-fat refried beans, sour cream, cheese and store-bought taco seasoning. This delicious classic with a festive 4^th of July twist from Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons can be made healthier with a few simple swaps. Give these alternatives a try to reduce added fat and sodium:

RECIPE:

1 can – Fat-free refried beans

8 tsp. – Taco seasoning

18 oz – Non-fat, plain Greek-style yogurt

2 cups – Reduced-fat cheese, shredded

1 Bag – Shredded lettuce

3.8 oz can – Sliced black olives

1 Jar – Salsa

1 Large – Tomato (chopped)

Blue Corn Tortilla Chips (crushed)

(Optional) 1 Slice – White cheese (provolone, Havarti, cheddar, or other)

DIRECTIONS:

Layer 1 – Combine refried beans with the taco seasoning & spread in a 9x13 glass pan

Layer 2 – Top with Jar of Salsa

Layer 3 – Add sliced olives

Layer 4 – Sprinkle shredded lettuce on top of sliced olives

Layer 5 – Add Shredded cheese

Layer 6 – Make a square using non-fat Greek-style yogurt in the upper left corner then sprinkle crushed blue corn tortilla chips

Layer 7 – (Spoon yogurt into small plastic bag or pastry piping bag and cut off tip) Alternate adding a row of chopped tomatoes with a row of non-fat Greek-style yogurt to finish off your dip...then ENJOY!

***Optional - Cut out small circles from a slice of white cheese and place circles on top of the crushed blue corn tortilla chips. You can use a pastry icing tip or any other kitchen tool you have that makes small circles.

Photo credits and original recipe: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons