Cafe Rio Style Salads
Cafe Rio is a frequently visited place in my family. When my dad and sisters go to lunch, or I call up my dad to see if he wants to go to lunch, this is the place that is most often chosen. Cafe Rio can get pricey when going that often, so when my mom gave us this recipe, and after having it a few years ago at my dad’s surprise birthday party I decided to give it a try. Oh my goodness….. K and I will very rarely go to Cafe Rio, unless with my family, as we can make it at home and have leftovers for a few days.
Ingredients
–Creamy Tomatillo Dressing–
1 package dry ranch dressing mix
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup mayonnaise (can do 1/2 mayo and 1/2 sour cream)
2-3 medium size tomatillos (green)
1 jalapeno, with seeds removed (for extra spice leave a seed or two in)
1/2 bunch cilantro
juice from 1 lime
–Cilantro Vinaigarette Dressing–
3 large bunches cilantro
1 cup oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
6 crushed garlic cloves
1 egg yolk
1/4 onion
1-2 jalapenos
white pepper
salt
water
–Cafe Rio Rice–
12 oz water
2-4 roasted garlic cloves
1/4 bunch cilantro
1 green chili
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. butter
1/4 onion
2 boxes rice pilaf (4.6 oz)
–Cafe Rio Pork–
3 lb. pork roast
16 oz. salsa
1 can of Coca Cola
2 cups brown sugar
water
–Cafe Rio Chicken–
1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 lbs. chicken breast
–Salad–
Shell (fry and sprinkle with cheese)
rice
black or pinto beans
shredded meat (chicken, beef, pork, steak)
lettuce
fresco
tortilla strips
sour cream
salsa (or just diced tomatoes)
guacamole
cilantro
cotija cheese (parmesan or feta work too)
Instructions
1
–Creamy Tomatillo Dressing–
2
Put tomatillos, garlic and jalapeno in glass or terra-cotta dish with a splash of olive oil and sea salt. Roast for 25-30 minutes at 350 (cool). Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until completely blended (about 2 minutes)
3
–Cilantro Vinaigarette Dressing–
4
Blend vinegar, garlic, egg, onion, salt and pepper to taste. Add water ( a Tablespoon at a time) until desired consistency. Makes a great dip too.
5
–Cafe Rio Rice–
6
Blend cilantro, green chili, garlic and onion together in food processor. Bring water to a boil and add ingredients. Simmer covered 20-30 minutes.
7
–Cafe Rio Pork–
8
Fill your crock pot with just the roast, and fill it half way with just the water. Cook on high for 5 hours. Take the pork out after the 5 hours, and drain the liquid down the drain. Cut the roast into 3 or 4 sections and place back into the crock pot. Puree the salsa in the blender and transfer to a bowl. Add the coke and brown sugar and mix. Pour over the roast and cook on high for 3 more hours. Shred with a fork.
9
–Cafe Rio Chicken–
10
Cook all together in a crock pot for 4 hours. Shred meat and cook an additional hour.
11
–Salad–
12
Assemble with the tortilla on the bottom, then desired toppings.
Comments