News
Savoring Summer: A Dietitian’s Take on In-Season Produce in This Steak (or Protein of Your Choice), Peach, and Watercress Salad
Summer is the perfect season to let fresh, vibrant produce shine—and few dishes showcase seasonal fruit and vegetables better than a hearty, yet refreshing Protein, Peach and Watercress Salad. As a dietitian, I’m always encouraging my patients to eat with the seasons; not just for flavor, but for peak nutrition. This recipe incorporates nutrient-dense, in-season ingredients that offer both health benefits and delicious complexity.
Peaches are one of summer’s sweetest stars. When ripe, they’re juicy, fragrant and naturally lower in carbs than many fruits, making them a smart fit—even in keto-leaning recipes like this one. They're rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like beta-carotene, which supports skin and eye health—perfect for sunny days.
Watercress, often overlooked, is a peppery, leafy green that thrives in warm-weather months. It’s loaded with vitamins A, C and K, and it contains unique plant compounds that may support cardiovascular and immune health. As a cruciferous vegetable, watercress brings a gentle detoxifying effect and rounds out the salad with a refreshing bite.
Paired with hanger steak or any protein of your choice, heart-healthy olive oil and crunchy toasted walnuts, this salad hits all the right nutritional marks: balanced fat, fiber, protein and flavor. A touch of blue cheese adds boldness, while sherry vinegar lifts the whole dish with a tangy finish.
Eating seasonally doesn’t mean sacrificing satisfaction. This 25-minute meal is a perfect example of how whole foods, simply prepared, can deliver both nourishment and indulgence. Whether you're keto-focused or just celebrating summer’s bounty, this salad is a flavorful way to enjoy the best of the season.
Pro tip: Shop your local farmers market for just-picked peaches and fresh watercress—you’ll taste the difference!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. hanger steak, trimmed
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar
- 3 peaches, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 Tbsp. chopped chives, plus more for serving
- 1 bunch upland cress
Directions:
Step 1Heat broiler. Season steak with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper and place on broiler-proof rimmed baking sheet. Broil to desired doneness, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add peaches and toss to combine. Fold in walnuts, cheese, chives, and steak. Then fold in cress. Serve topped with additional chives if desired.
More News
-
New!
More
Hot, Cold and Mental Health: Inside Vail Health’s CHILL’D Research Study
Depression, a mental illness affecting more than 18% of American adults, has no blood marker or single biological cause. It looks and feels different in everyone because the brain is a complex organ, and there is no single way that depression develops. Like many mental health conditions, depression can be treated through medical, pharmaceutical and alternative approaches. One promising avenue under study at Vail Health’s Behavioral Health Innovation Center is contrast therapy — combining sauna and cold plunge treatments.
-
New!
More
What to Expect Before, During and After a Colonoscopy
If you've been putting off a colonoscopy, you're not alone. It's one of the most recommended — and most avoided — preventive screenings in medicine. But here's what most people don't realize until after their first one: the procedure itself is a non-event. You're asleep. You don't feel a thing. What people actually dread, and what they talk about afterward, is the prep. The good news is that even the prep is manageable, and the payoff is enormous. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early. A colonoscopy doesn't just detect it; in many cases, it stops cancer before it starts.
-
New!
More
Navigating Men’s Sexual Health: Erectile Dysfunction and the Bigger Picture
For something so common — and treatable — erectile dysfunction (ED) is still surprisingly difficult to talk about. “The biggest misconception men have is that there’s a mechanical or physical problem with them, and that’s usually not the case,” explains Dr. Joseph Dall’Era, a urologist at Vail Health. In reality, ED is far more nuanced and manageable than people realize. Understanding what’s happening and knowing when to speak up can shift the experience.