Cafe Rio Style Salads

This recipe serves 15-20. Everyone seems to have their favorite recipe for this family pleaser. This is a combination of what our kids have found is easiest and healthiest. Maybe you'll find a little different twist! There are five parts: the meat, the salsa, the rice, the sauce, and the garnishes. Combine them all together into tor­ tillas or just over beds of lettuce. You can also add beans, grilled vegetables, guacamole-whatever your family loves! You may want to double the salsa recipe depending on your crowd's love of salsa.

The sauce is a simpler and lower-fat recipe from Saydi than the ones we have used in the past with mayo and sour cream. It is also a great low-calorie option for salads and sandwiches. According to Shawni, "It is so good it could make a piece of card­ board taste delicious."


Meat

2 pork sirloin tip roasts, about 2 1/2 pounds each (These are the low-fat, cheapest pork roasts. Costco sells these sqaure roasts in packages of 4.)
1 cup brown sugar
1 16-ounce jar of salsa
1/2 package of fajita seasoning (optional) 

1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. 

2. Cook on low for 7-9 hours.

3. Break apart/shred meat in sauce.


Salsa 
4 fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 white onion, chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped 

1/2 tablespoon lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced 

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper 

1. Mix all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until desired consistency is achieved.


Lime Rice
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves minced garlic
7 cups water
8 teaspoons chicken bouillon (7 cubes) 

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoons cumin 

1/4 cup lime juice 

1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups long-grain rice

1. Saute butter, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes.

2. Bring all ingredients but rice to a boil in a large pot.

3. Add rice, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.



Sauce (amounts depend on your crowd's preference)
1 avocado
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup water (more or less as needed to adjust consistency)
1 bunch of cilantro leaves and stems
1 teaspoon salt
2 small cloves of garlic 

Juice of 3 limes

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender an blend until smooth.



Garnishes (optional)
Cilantro, Lime wedges, Cheese, Black beans, Sour cream, Chips ,Freshly cooked or regular tortillas, Guacamole or sliced avocado