Guacamole is a fantastic snack that’s easy to make and pleases any crowd. It tastes like an indulgent treat, but is actually a wonderfully healthy alternative to less-healthy dips and condiments, so you can feel good eating it.

The best thing about guacamole is its versatility — you can put it on chips in lieu of heavy cheese or sour creambased dips, you can spread it on a sandwich to add a touch of creaminess and avoid the calories of mayonnaise, and of course, you can use it to top of any of your favorite mexican dishes — from burritos to tacos to nachos.

There are a variety of ways to make guacamole. Some people like to add salsa, peppers, cilantro and other spices. This 6-ingredient guacamole recipe is very simple, and a great base to which you can add your own creative touches.

Simple, scrumptious guacamole

6 ripe avocados, skins and pits removed, cut into small cubes
1 large, firm tomato, diced
1/4 of a red onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
The juice of half a lime
1 teaspoon of salt

First, take your avocado and stir it vigorously with a spoon until its consistency is to your liking — if you prefer a chunkier guacamole, stir until it’s just a little bit creamy but with most of the cubes still intact. If you like a super smooth and creamy guacamole, keep stirring and mashing the avocados until the consistency is super smooth.

Next, add your tomato, onion and garlic, and stir until they are evenly combined with the avocado. Sprinkle with lime juice and salt, and stir once more. Serve with tortilla chips at a party, or put a scoop on top of home made quesadillas. This recipe is sure to please any crowd.

ALICIA BANE is Wire Editor of The Times Record, and a food blogger. See more recipes from her at eeshaeats.wordpress.com