Cafe Rio Salad

This is a recipe to feed a crowd!

Shredded Chicken

5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 small bottle zesty Italian dressing

1 T. chili powder

1 T. cumin

3 cloves garlic, minced

Mix all ingredients together in a large crock pot. Cook on high for 5-7 hours. Remove chicken and shred with a fork. Return meat to crock pot and heat through. Keep warm.

Creamy Tomatillo Ranch Dressing

1 tomatillo (canned or fresh)

1 c. buttermilk

1 c. packed fresh cilantro leaves

1 c. mayo

1 envelope buttermilk ranch dressing mix (Hidden Valley)

1 clove garlic, minced or crushed

1 lime, juiced

2 tsp. sugar

1/2 fresh jalapeno, deseeded, to taste

Combine all ingredients in blender and combine till thick and creamy. Refrigerate for an hour or so to let flavors meld. Dressing can be saved in airtight container for about 3-4 days in refrigerator.

Green Chile Lime Rice

2 T. butter

1 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

6 & 2/3 c. water

8 tsp. (cubes) chicken bullion

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

2 tsp. cumin

2 small cans diced green chilies

2 T. lime juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 T. lime zest (optional)

3 c. rice

Saute onion and garlic in butter in a saute pan. In a saucepan, bring water, chicken bullion, cilantro, cumin, chilies, lime juice, salt and lime zest to a boil. Add onion, garlic, and rice to boiling water. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Pico De Gallo

4 large fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. lime juice

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Combine ingredients together in a medium bowl.

Layer salads like this:

Warm tortilla (homemade or from the refrigerator case)

Green chili lime rice

warmed Pinto or Black beans

shredded chicken (or sweet pork)

Romain lettuce, chopped

spoonful Pico De Gallo

spoonful chunky guacamole

spoonful sour cream

fried corn tortilla strips (deep fry 1/8" corn tortilla strips in oil)

sprinkle of grated cotija cheese

sprig cilantro

Tomatillo ranch dressing, served on the side.

Serve as a salad or wrap up into a burrito. So yummy.