Summer Recipes from Canyon Ranch Spas

by Carrie N. Culpepper (RSS feed)
Jun 15th 2010 at 4:01PM

Luxury spa chain Canyon Ranch with resorts in Tuscon, Ariz., Lenox, Mass. and Miami Beach (as well as "SpaClubs" at the Venetian in Las Vegas and aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2) is famous for its integrated approach to health and wellness. During a weekend stay you might exercise, see doctors and wellness experts and enjoy spa treatments, but the food is where some of the most subtle and sublime healthiness takes place. Earlier this year MSN named the Canyon Ranch Grill at Las Vegas' Palazzo hotel one of the Top 10 Heart-Healthy Restaurants in the U.S. We asked the culinary team at Canyon Ranch to share three healthy summer recipes and their secrets.

Salmon w/ Blueberry Mango Salsa

Health Benefits:
Fish, specifically salmon, is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to increase optimal brain functioning by decreasing inflammation and keeping the blood vessels flexible.

Antioxidants, found in brightly colored fruits and veggies like blueberries and red peppers, protect against free-radical damage.

[recipe after the break]

Blueberry Mango Salsa:
1/3 cup diced mango
1/3 cup blueberries
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon minced jalapenos
2 teaspoons evaporated cane juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
4 4-ounce salmon fillets
Pinch sea salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper

1. In a medium bowl combine all ingredients for blueberry mango salsa. Lightly crush
with a fork to release juices. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and
pepper and sear for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until salmon is cooked through.
3. Serve each salmon fillet with ¼ cup of blueberry mango salsa.

Makes 4 servings, each containing approximately:
205 calories
6 gm. carbohydrate
11 gm. fat
54 mg. cholesterol
19 gm. protein
216 mg. sodium
1 gm. fiber

Strawberry Chicken Arugula Salad

Health Benefits:
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a must for collagen formation, to keep joints and other tissues healthy, and to keep skim plump and wrinkle-free. We recommend you choose organic strawberries to minimize your exposure to pesticides and herbicides.

Panzanella Salad Dressing:
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 slices multi-grain bread
Olive oil spray
2 cups sliced strawberries
3 cups baby arugula

1. In a small bowl combine all ingredients for dressing and set aside.
2. Preheat grill or broiler. Grill or broil chicken breast for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Allow to cool and dice.
3. Spray slices of multigrain bread with olive oil on both sides. Grill bread slices until toasted. Dice slices of bread and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine chicken, strawberries and arugula. Whisk dressing until well mixed. Toss salad with dressing and grilled bread just before serving.
5. Divide salad into 4 servings and place in salad bowls.

Makes 4 servings, each containing approximately:
375 calories
38 gm. carbohydrate
12 gm. fat
66 mg. cholesterol
32 gm. protein
490 mg. sodium
6 gm. fiber

Cook's Note:
Three cups of croutons can be substituted for the multi-grain bread slices

H2 Tini

Health Benefits:
Watermelon is a good low-calorie source of vitamins A, B6, and C, plus fiber, potassium, and lycopene, a phytochemical that appears to protect against age-related health issues and prostate cancer.

1 lime wedge
1 cup fresh seedless watermelon1-inch cubes
1/4 cup sparkling pear or apple cider
4 sprigs cilantro
1 cup ice cubes

1. Whirl the watermelon cubes in a blender to make 1/2 cup watermelon juice.
2. Squeeze lime into a cocktail shaker. Add the squeezed lime wedge, pear juice, cilantro and ice. Shake and strain the mixture into an 8-ounce martini glass. Garnish with a thin slice of watermelon.

Makes 1 serving containing approximately:
70 calories
17 gm. carbohydrate
Trace fat
0 mg. cholesterol
2 gm. protein
18 gm. sodium
2 gm. fiber

Tags: canyon ranch, Canyon Ranch Cooking, canyon ranch grill, canyon ranch miami, canyon ranch spa, summer recipes