35 Easy Make Ahead Cold Dips

When I’m hosting (or let’s be honest, even just snacking solo) I love having a few cold dips ready to go.

They’re quick to whip up, easy to store, and perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests.

I’ve found that the best dips are the ones you can toss together ahead of time and let chill in the fridge until you’re ready.

That little rest time somehow makes the flavors pop even more.

I’ve rounded up some of my go-to favorites that are simple, satisfying, and totally stress-free.

So if you’re looking for low-effort snacks that taste like you tried harder than you did, you’re in the right place!

Creamy Dips

When I want something smooth, flavorful, and fridge-friendly, creamy dips are always my go-to.

These are the kind you can throw together in minutes and stash in the fridge until snack time hits.

1. Ranch Greek Yogurt Dip

Use two cups of plain Greek yogurt as the base, then mix in two tablespoons of ranch seasoning, a small handful of chopped fresh chives, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder.

If you’re making your own mix, combine dried dill, parsley, onion powder, and salt.

Stir everything together until it’s smooth, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

The flavor gets stronger as it sits, so you can easily make this the night before.

It pairs well with veggies but I’ve also eaten this dip with waffle fries.

2. Avocado Lime Dip

Mash two ripe avocados in a bowl, then add half a cup of sour cream, the juice of one lime, one clove of minced garlic, and a quarter teaspoon of cumin.

Stir until creamy or blend if you want it totally smooth.

Add salt to taste, and if the dip feels too thick, mix in a tablespoon of olive oil or water.

Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before chilling to keep the color bright.

3. Whipped Feta & Dill

In a food processor, combine one block of feta cheese, four ounces of cream cheese, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of fresh dill.

Blend until fluffy, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to loosen the texture.

Taste and adjust with extra lemon or dill if you want a stronger kick.

Scrape into a dish, cover, and refrigerate for an hour to let it firm up a bit.

This works with crackers, bread, or as a spread for wraps.

4. Tzatziki

Grate one English cucumber, squeeze out as much water as you can using a clean towel, and stir it into one and a half cups of full-fat Greek yogurt.

Add two cloves of minced garlic, the juice of half a lemon, and one tablespoon of chopped fresh dill.

Stir everything together and season with a pinch of salt.

Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.

Serve cold with pita chips, raw veggies, or grilled chicken skewers.

5. Creamy Jalapeño Dip

Add one cup of sour cream, three to four pickled jalapeño slices, one clove of garlic, a handful of cilantro, and the juice of one lime to a blender.

Blend until smooth, then taste and add salt or more jalapeño if you want more heat.

If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or a little more lime juice.

Transfer to a bowl and chill for at least an hour before serving.

It goes well with tortilla chips, taquitos, or even roasted potatoes.

Cheesy Dips

Cold cheesy dips are the ultimate comfort food.

And these are perfect for potlucks, game days, or any time you want something that feels indulgent without turning on the oven.

6. Cold Queso Blanco

In a mixing bowl, combine one block of softened cream cheese with one cup of shredded white cheddar, one small can of diced green chilies, and a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder.

Stir until everything is evenly blended, or use a hand mixer for a fluffier texture.

You can add a splash of milk if it feels too thick.

Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

I always spread this one onto crackers but it also scoops well with tortilla chips.

7. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip

Mix one cup of sour cream, one cup of shredded sharp cheddar, half a packet of ranch seasoning, and half a cup of cooked, crumbled bacon.

Add a few chopped green onions for color and crunch.

Stir until well combined and let it chill so the flavors can meld.

This one gets thicker as it sits, so give it a quick stir before serving.

8. Pimento Cheese Dip

Combine two cups of shredded cheddar with half a cup of mayo, one small jar of diced pimentos (drained), and a dash of cayenne.

Mix by hand for a chunkier dip or pulse in a food processor if you want it smooth.

Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra depth if you like a little tang.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so the cheese softens slightly.

This one’s also great on sandwiches or burgers!

9. Blue Cheese & Walnut Dip

In a bowl, mash together four ounces of blue cheese with four ounces of cream cheese, then stir in two tablespoons of sour cream and a splash of lemon juice.

Fold in a quarter cup of chopped toasted walnuts and a pinch of black pepper.

Taste and add a drizzle of honey if you like a little sweetness with the funk.

Let it sit in the fridge for an hour before serving.

Serve with apple slices, crackers, or crusty bread.

10. Parmesan Peppercorn Dip

Mix one cup of sour cream with half a cup of mayo, half a cup of finely grated parmesan, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.

Stir until everything is well blended and smooth.

Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten it up and balance the richness.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Bean-Based Dips

These dips are hearty, protein-packed, and budget-friendly.

Basically everything you want in a make-ahead snack!

They’re great with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, and most of them come together with just a few pantry staples and a blender or fork.

11. Classic Hummus

You can’t beat a classic hummus!

In a food processor, blend one can of drained chickpeas, a quarter cup of tahini, two tablespoons of lemon juice, one clove of garlic, and a couple tablespoons of olive oil.

Add water a little at a time until you reach the consistency you want.

Season with salt and a pinch of cumin for warmth.

Scrape into a bowl and drizzle with more olive oil before covering and chilling.

It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

12. White Bean & Rosemary Dip

Blend one can of cannellini beans with two tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of half a lemon, one clove of garlic, and a teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary.

If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or more lemon juice.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pulse until creamy.

Transfer to a container and refrigerate for a couple of hours.

I love serving this dip with sliced cucumbers, crostini, or crackers.

13. Black Bean Lime Dip

Rinse and drain one can of black beans, then blend with the juice of one lime, a clove of garlic, a teaspoon of cumin, and a few dashes of hot sauce.

Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then blend until smooth.

You can stir in some chopped green onions or cilantro at the end if you want a little texture.

Chill before serving to let the flavors settle.

It’s perfect with tortilla chips or spread on wraps.

14. Spicy Refried Bean Dip

Warm one can of refried beans just enough to make them easier to stir, then mix with half a cup of sour cream, a teaspoon of chili powder, and a tablespoon of chopped green onions.

Add a little shredded cheese if you like it extra rich.

Let it cool completely, then refrigerate until cold.

This one thickens up as it sits and works well as a spread or dip.

15. Lentil Curry Dip

Cook one cup of red lentils until soft, drain any extra water, and mash with half a cup of plain yogurt, a teaspoon of curry powder, and a pinch of salt.

Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness and stir until smooth.

You can blend it for a creamier version or leave it textured.

Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Try it with naan chips, sliced peppers, or rice crackers!

Salsa & Pico

Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, these salsa and pico dips are the perfect addition to any party spread.

They’re easy to make, require minimal prep, and are a great way to showcase seasonal ingredients.

16. Classic Pico de Gallo

Dice two medium tomatoes, half an onion, and one jalapeño.

Toss them together with a handful of chopped cilantro, the juice of one lime, and a pinch of salt.

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

If you want more heat, feel free to add more jalapeño or even a dash of hot sauce.

17. Mango Salsa

Peel and dice one ripe mango, then combine it with half a small red onion, one diced jalapeño, and a tablespoon of fresh cilantro.

Squeeze in the juice of one lime and add a pinch of salt to taste.

If the mango is super sweet, you can balance it with a little vinegar or extra lime juice.

Let it chill for about 30 minutes for the flavors to combine.

18. Corn & Black Bean Salsa

Drain one can of black beans and one can of corn, then mix them together in a bowl with one diced tomato, half a diced red onion, and a pinch of cumin.

Squeeze in the juice of one lime and stir well.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you like a bit of heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or some hot sauce.

Chill before serving for the flavors to blend.

19. Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa

Chop one cup of fresh pineapple into small cubes, then mix with half a red onion, one diced jalapeño, and a tablespoon of chopped cilantro.

Squeeze the juice of one lime into the mix and add a pinch of salt.

Taste for heat and sweetness, and adjust accordingly.

Let it sit for 20–30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors develop.

It’s a fun twist on traditional salsa and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a topping for tacos!

20. Tomatillo Avocado Salsa

Remove the husks from four tomatillos and roast them under the broiler for about 10 minutes, until they’re slightly charred.

Let them cool, then blend with one ripe avocado, one clove of garlic, and the juice of one lime.

Add salt to taste and a handful of cilantro.

This green salsa is smooth and creamy with a little smokiness from the roasted tomatillos.

Chill before serving with tortilla chips or grilled chicken.

Seafood Dips

These dips take your snack game up a notch with rich, savory flavors and a touch of elegance.

Seafood dips are perfect for impressing guests at a party or treating yourself to something special.

21. Crab Dip

Combine one cup of lump crab meat with eight ounces of cream cheese, two tablespoons of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and the juice of half a lemon.

Stir in a small handful of chopped green onions and a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning for a classic flavor.

Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. Let it chill for an hour to let the flavors come together.

Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or raw veggies.

22. Smoked Salmon Spread

Flake four ounces of smoked salmon into a bowl, then add eight ounces of cream cheese, two tablespoons of sour cream, a teaspoon of lemon zest, and one tablespoon of capers.

Stir in some chopped fresh dill and black pepper.

Taste and adjust with more lemon juice if needed. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors marry.

This spread is great on crackers, bagels, or as a topping for crostini.

23. Tuna Salad Dip

Drain one can of tuna and mash it in a bowl with three tablespoons of mayo, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and a few finely chopped pickles.

Add in a teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper, then stir until everything’s well mixed. For a smoother dip, use a hand blender or food processor.

Chill it for about 30 minutes before serving.

24. Shrimp & Cream Cheese Dip

Chop one cup of cooked shrimp into small pieces and mix it with eight ounces of cream cheese, one tablespoon of cocktail sauce, and a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of salt.

Let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

25. Seafood Salad Dip

In a bowl, combine one cup of chopped imitation crab meat with one cup of cooked shrimp, diced celery, and two tablespoons of mayonnaise.

Add a teaspoon of lemon juice, a dash of salt, and a sprinkle of paprika.

Stir everything together and let it chill for at least an hour.

This light seafood dip is fantastic with crackers or as a topping for salad.

More Cold Dips

If you’re craving even more dip options, I’ve got you covered.

These are perfect for any occasion and are sure to keep your snack table stocked with variety:

Guacamole: Mash ripe avocados and mix with diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Add diced jalapeños if you like some heat.
Bacon Ranch Cream Cheese Dip: Blend cream cheese, ranch seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon. Chill to thicken and serve.
Cucumber & Cream Cheese Dip: Blend cream cheese with chopped cucumbers, dill, and garlic powder for a cool and tangy dip.
Roasted Red Pepper Dip: Blend roasted red peppers with cream cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Spinach Artichoke Dip: Mix thawed spinach, chopped artichokes, cream cheese, and sour cream with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Let it chill and serve.
Buffalo Chicken Dip: Combine shredded cooked chicken with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. Chill until ready to serve.
Greek Yogurt & Herb Dip: Mix plain Greek yogurt with a blend of fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, and chives), garlic, and lemon juice.
Caramelized Onion Dip: Sauté onions until golden brown, then mix with sour cream, cream cheese, and a little thyme.
Mango Avocado Salsa: Combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a fresh, tropical dip.
Pea & Mint Dip: Blend cooked peas with fresh mint, Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing, green dip.