Cafe Rio Copy-Cat Pork or Chicken Salad

I love Cafe Rio. If you haven't had the chance to eat there, you should try it {if you can find one close to you!}. And if you are on a strict budget and feeling creative, here's the best recipe for their pork or chicken salad. I know there are many variations out there, but this is the best one I've tried so far.

This is also a great idea if you're serving a large group. You can just serve it like a buffet and everyone can build their own salad {or burrito} We made it for our family reunion a couple years ago and it was a big hit! But, let's be honest any food with that side of my family usually is a big hit. I think that's where I inherited my love of food. I also inherited my schnoz from that side. Yep, thanks a lot guys. 

Now, if only I could find the perfect copy-cat recipe for Cafe Rio's queso and tortilla soup. Although, I think my tortilla soup is pretty darn delicious!

Enjoy!

CAFE RIO COPY-CAT PORK OR CHICKEN SALAD

click here for a printable version of this recipe

{Café Rio Pork}

3-4 lbs. pork roast (not a fatty one)

2 c. salsa

2 c. brown sugar

1 c. coca cola

Cook pork in a slow cooker on high for 5 hours with water covering halfway. Drain water after 5 hours.  Shred pork with a fork.  Add the rest of the ingredients and cook 4-5 more hours.  Shred again if not completely shredded.

{Café Rio Chicken}

1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

1 T. chili powder

1 T. cumin

3 cloves minced garlic

5 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

Roast all ingredients in a crock pot on low for 4 hours.  Shred chicken, roast an additional hour.

 

{Café Rio Cilantro Dressing}

1 c. mayonnaise

¾ - 1 c. buttermilk

3 tomatillos

1/3 c. cilantro

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 pkg. ranch dressing (buttermilk recipe)

Put in blender and puree.  Refrigerate 4 hours before serving.

{Café Rio Rice}

3 c. water

4 tsp. chicken bouillon

4 tsp. minced garlic

½ bunch chopped cilantro

1 tsp. cumin

1 can diced green chiles

¾ tsp. salt

1 tsp. butter

½ medium onion, chopped

3 c. uncooked rice

Bring water to a boil, add all ingredients.  Cook on low for 30 minutes.

{HOW TO ASSEMBLE}

Layer your plate with the following:

Warm tortilla {we love the uncooked ones from Costco}

Romaine lettuce

Black or pinto beans {can't you just hear them asking you that at the restaurant?}

Cafe Rio Rice*

Cafe Rio Pork or Chicken*

Shredded cheese of your choice

Crushed tortilla chips

Cafe Rio Cilantro Dressing*

Guacamole

Pico de Gallo or Salsa