Volcanic Lava Spicy Dip

Featured in: Fresh Everyday Bowls

This vibrant spread combines charred red bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and fresh chilies, blended with smoked paprika, cumin, and creamy Greek yogurt. The result is a rich, smoky, and spicy dip bursting with flavor, perfect for serving alongside pita chips or fresh veggies. It’s quick to prepare and delivers a smooth, heated punch balanced by cool lemon juice and olive oil. Optional herbs add freshness while heat level can be adjusted to taste.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:41:00 GMT
A vibrant bowl of Volcanic Lava Spicy Dip, garnished with cilantro, ready for dipping and sharing. Save to Pinterest
A vibrant bowl of Volcanic Lava Spicy Dip, garnished with cilantro, ready for dipping and sharing. | citrushearth.com

A bold, fiery dip bursting with roasted peppers, smoked paprika, and spicy chilies, perfect for adding excitement to any platter.

This dip quickly became a favorite at family gatherings, bringing a spicy kick everyone loves.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 large red bell peppers roasted and peeled, 2 medium tomatoes seeded and chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 small red onion roughly chopped
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1 to 2 fresh red chilies seeded and chopped (adjust to taste), 2 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • Dairy & Acid: ½ cup Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for vegan option), 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Oils & Garnish: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Roast the red bell peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until skin is charred. Place in a bowl, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes, then peel off the skin and remove the seeds.
Step 2:
In a food processor or blender, combine roasted peppers, tomatoes, garlic, red onion, chilies, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend until mostly smooth.
Step 3:
Add Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Pulse until fully incorporated adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4:
With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil to create a creamy, slightly thick consistency.
Step 5:
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Step 6:
Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
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| citrushearth.com

This dip always brings smiles around the table and has become a staple at our family parties.

Required Tools

Food processor or blender, chefs knife, cutting board, baking sheet (if roasting peppers in oven)

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt). For a dairy-free vegan version, use coconut yogurt. Always check yogurt and spice labels for gluten or nut cross-contamination if necessary.

Nutritional Information

Calories 60 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 5 g Protein 2 g per serving approx ¼ cup

Creamy textured Volcanic Lava Spicy Dip, with roasted red peppers visible, perfect for vegetable sticks or chips. Save to Pinterest
Creamy textured Volcanic Lava Spicy Dip, with roasted red peppers visible, perfect for vegetable sticks or chips. | citrushearth.com

Enjoy this vibrant dip as a bold addition to your appetizer tray or sandwich spreads.

Recipe FAQs

How do I roast peppers for the spread?

Roast red bell peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until charred on all sides. Then cover and let steam for 5 minutes before peeling off the skin and removing seeds for a smoky flavor.

Can I make this without dairy?

Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a creamy vegan option that maintains smooth texture and tang.

What can I use to serve with this spicy spread?

Serve with pita chips, fresh vegetables, crackers, or use as a flavorful spread in sandwiches and wraps.

How do I adjust the heat level?

Control the spice by adjusting the amount of fresh red chilies or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to preference.

Can I replace peppers with other vegetables?

Yes, roasted eggplant can be substituted to impart a deeper smoky character while keeping the creamy texture intact.

Volcanic Lava Spicy Dip

Bold spread blending roasted peppers, smoked paprika, chilies, and creamy yogurt for a fiery kick.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Time to cook
10 minutes
Overall time
20 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Type Fusion

Makes 6 Number of servings

Dietary details Meat-Free, No Gluten

What Goes In

Vegetables

01 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and seeded
02 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 small red onion, roughly chopped

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 to 2 fresh red chilies, seeded and chopped, adjust to taste
02 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
03 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
04 ½ teaspoon salt
05 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Dairy & Acid

01 ½ cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for vegan option
02 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Oils & Garnish

01 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Char and Prepare Peppers: Roast the red bell peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is thoroughly charred. Place in a covered bowl, allow to steam for 5 minutes, then peel off the skins and remove the seeds.

Step 02

Combine Base Ingredients: Add roasted peppers, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, red chilies, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is predominantly smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Creaminess and Acid: Add Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice to the blended mixture. Pulse until fully combined, then adjust seasoning according to taste.

Step 04

Emulsify with Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil until the dip reaches a creamy and slightly thick consistency.

Step 05

Serve and Garnish: Transfer the dip into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Best served with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

What You’ll Need

  • Food processor or blender
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet (if using oven to roast peppers)

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains dairy unless substituted with coconut yogurt. Confirm labels for potential gluten or nut cross-contamination.

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 60
  • Fat content: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 5 grams
  • Protein amount: 2 grams