Summer Salad

Leafy greens, move over. This colorful, crunchy-fresh salad could easily kick your butt.

I discovered Aida Mollencamp's corn, tomato and avocado salad while hurriedly scanning the Food Network site for a July Fourth side. I had initially told a friend that I would bring potato salad, but woke up the next morning resolving to concoct a classier, healthier dish.

And just like that, this beautiful, couldn't-be-fresher-salad was created. Well, there certainly was some prep involved, but it was as easy as it gets. With a little chopping and mixing, you'll have a salad fit for entertaining.

Here's why it's fit for a Bon Vivant on a Budget:

-It incorporates several fresh, healthy and varied ingredients (corn, avocado, tomato).

-The lime-cilantro vinaigrette is easy and affordable yet lends a sophisticated note to the mix.

-And best of all, it's littered with bites of fresh mozzarella -- enough said there.

Special thanks to my good friend and grandlittle sorority-sister Heather for helping me with this one. I hope this dish will help you as it did me whenever you're assigned salad duty for a pot luck. Your friends and your wallet will be equally impressed.

Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad

Adapted from Aida's Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad in Food Network Magazine

Ingredients:

For the dressing:
1 1/2 cups packed fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 lime Salt and pepper

For the salad:
4 ears corn, kernels removed (about 3 cups)
1 carton grape tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)
1 pound fresh mozzarella, diced
1 medium avocado, diced

Directions:

Whisk together chopped cilantro, olive oil and the zest and juice of the lime to make the vinaigrette dressing.

Prep the rest of the fresh ingredients and add to a large bowl. Pour on vinaigrette and toss to combine.

Let it sit at least 15 minutes to let the flavors seep in. Can be refrigerated up to four hours covered before serving.

Miami Spa Month

Speaking of deals, I have a great one for you. Miami Spa Month is back through July and the deals are more than enough to make a girly girl squeal.

Miami Spa Month is a month-long event put on by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau that finagles a $99 special out of the best spas in Miami--including zen inducers at the Ritz Carlton, the Four Seasons and the Fontainebleau. Although the $99 price tag doesn't include tax or gratuity, it's still a darn good deal compared to how much these spas normally charge.

What's more, you can choose from a wide variety of treatments. Luxuries that caught my eye included the "Head in the Clouds" facial and scalp treatment at the Mondrian South Beach and the organic coconut-lemon exfoliation at the Mandarin. And at The Palms Spa on Collins Ave., you'll get an 80-minute spa manicure and pedicure with any spa-month treatment you choose. Talk about a sweet deal!

After greedily pouring over the offerings, I'm decided to opt for the 55-minute custom organic and one-hour integrative massage at Emena Spa in the Design District. And I did my research: those two treatments normally cost $95 each! And I'll be shelling out a less-likely-to-break-the-bank $99. Sign me up!

For all the Miami Spa Month offerings, check out the 30 participating spas page--even hot spots like the Delano and Canyon Ranch, Miami's self-proclaimed largest spa, are in.