Yield: 3 to 4 servings

1/2 small sweet onion, finely chopped

6 to 8 sprigs fresh cilantro, finely chopped

2 medium tomatillos, finely chopped

1 fresh mirasol or jalapeño chile, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped

4 ripe, medium-size avocados

1/2 teaspoon Darn Hot Peppers Herb Shaker (see note)

1/2 fresh lime

1. Combine onion, cilantro, tomatillos and chile in a medium bowl; mix well. Cover and refrigerate.

2. Shortly before serving time, cut avocados in half lengthwise. Twist halves in opposite directions to loosen the fruit from the pit; scoop out and discard pit. Remove pulp from skin. Mash avocado pulp with a fork; mix in the onion mixture and herbal salt substitute.

3. Squeeze lime juice over the top. Set aside for 2 to 3 minutes to let flavors blend. Serve with tortilla chips or other dippers.

Note: Darn Hot Peppers makes a salt substitute called Herb Shaker, which contains cayenne flakes, cumin, dried lemon peel, black pepper, thyme, tarragon, oregano, basil, cilantro, dried onion, dried garlic and parsley. It is used as a substitute for salt for flavoring foods. Although it is not recommended by Carol Jimenez, readers could use salt or another herbal salt substitute in her recipes; the flavor will be slightly different.

Per serving (based on 4): 330 calories; 30g fat; 4g saturated fat; no cholesterol; 4g protein; 20g carbohydrate; 3g sugar; 14g fiber; 15mg sodium; 30mg calcium.