I need a weekend after this weekend.

I love holidays – and I love three day weekends! – but with four kids these special days create a lot of extra work. If I want memories to be made, I have to help make them. So, Chris and I organized a neighborhood party that included classic Chicago-style hot dogs, bike/scooter decorating, fireworks, sparklers and an ice cream sundae buffet. Evie set up a station for temporary tattoos. We treated the kids to Mexican Cokes and Goose Island Root Beer in old-fashioned glass bottles. Several times the kids told me it was the best party ever. Staying up until 10:30 (midnight, according to Mack) turned it up a notch.

After a late night up with kids and today spent grazing on the party leftovers, Chris and I craved a big salad for dinner. While grocery shopping, I remembered a delicious salad we’ve ordered from Roots Pizza here in Chicago. I took my inspiration from the menu on-line, and dinner was born. A healthy way to end a long weekend!

Tomato, Avocado & Mozzarella Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Romaine lettuce

Avocado, diced

Fresh mozzarella

Fresh corn shaved off the cob

Roasted & unsalted sunflower seeds

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette

A generous handful of cilantro, stems included

Juice from 3 limes

1/2 cup olive oil

A dash or two of salt

1/4 cup water

Combine everything except water in a blender. Blend, adding water if necessary.

Make a double batch for lunch the next day!