These dinosaur chips and dip make the PERFECT snack for a dinosaur birthday party (or just a prehistoric bite).
How to Make Dinosaur Chips and Dip
- Mix it: Add the tomato, onion, garlic, lime juice, jalapeño, and cilantro to a bowl and stir. Season with black pepper and salt.
- Marinate and enjoy: Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight. Serve with chips.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
To Make Ahead: Dinosaur chips and dip is a perfect make-ahead snack. The dip needs time to marinate, which means making it a day or two ahead will give it ample time to develop excellent flavors. Just make sure to store the dip in an airtight container to stop fridge smells from spoiling it.
To Freeze: If you have any leftover dip, scoop it into a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to three months. This makes it an even better make-ahead snack. Just defrost, mix, and serve with chips. Simple, quick and easy.
Recipe Variations for Dinosaur Chips and Dip
Swap in BBQ chips: For a smoky twist, replace half of the nacho cheese Doritos with BBQ-flavored chips. Use one cup of nacho cheese Doritos and one cup of BBQ chips.
Go vegan: For a plant-based option, substitute the nacho cheese Doritos with your favorite vegan cheese-flavored chips. Use four cups of vegan cheese-flavored chips.
Spicy but sweet: Add a hint of sweetness and a bit more heat by mixing in spicy mango salsa along with the tomatoes and jalapeño. Use three tablespoons of mango salsa.
Cheesy chips: Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dip and broil until melted. Serve immediately.
Zesty avocado dip: Mash one ripe avocado and mix it into the dip for a creamy, zesty twist.
Greek dip twist: Replace the cilantro with a third of a cup of chopped fresh dill and add half a cup of crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor.
Corn and black bean dip: To create a Tex-Mex flavor, use half a cup of canned corn and half a cup of rinsed black beans.
Salsa and sour cream dip: Skip the marinating step and simply mix the ingredients with one cup of your favorite salsa for an instant flavor infusion. Add one tablespoon of sour cream on top and serve.
Cucumber twist: Add a refreshing crunch by folding in one diced cucumber just before serving.
Smoked paprika: Use half a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smokey flavor.
Dinosaur Chips and Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow corn Doritos
- 2 cups nacho cheese Doritos
- ½ red onion peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the tomato, onion, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice and cilantro to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes or several hours in the refrigerator.
- Serve with chips.
Notes
- Chip strength: Use chips that are sturdy enough for dipping; avoid thin or flimsy varieties.
- Adjust the heat: To control jalapeño spiciness, remove the seeds and ribs for milder heat. Remove the jalapeño completely for a child-friendly dip.
- Balance flavors: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; add more lime juice for acidity, salt for improved flavors, or cilantro for freshness as needed.
- Chill for flavor: Letting the dip marinate in the refrigerator enhances flavors; aim for at least 15 minutes of marination time.
