Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad Copycat
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Time to Cook Sweet Pork
8 hrs
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Total Time
8 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
1 salad
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Calories
783 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Mexican
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad Copycat
Description
This salad recreates the well-known Cafe Rio dish by layering ingredients over a warmed large flour tortilla with melted shredded cheese. The warm tortilla acts as a base holding rice and black beans seasoned with traditional flavors alongside the sweet, shredded pork.
Fresh leafy greens (not iceberg or Romaine) are added, followed by toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, crunchy tortilla strips, and crumbled cotija cheese, creating a combination of creamy, crisp, and savory elements. The salad is finished with a selection of dressings such as tomatillo ranch or cilantro lime vinaigrette that complement the flavors.
This dish seamlessly balances rich and fresh components, suitable for serving as a satisfying main course or light dinner. The recipe is designed for one salad but can be scaled up by making the included component recipes to serve 4 to 6 people.
Leftovers are best stored separately in airtight containers to maintain texture and freshness. Sweet pork can be frozen and thawed before use to extend usability.
Ingredients
- 1 large flour tortilla < click the link for our homemade recipe
- 1/3 cup cheese Mexican blend, shredded
- 1/3 cup rice < click the link for our homemade recipe, with cilantro and lime
- 1/3 cup black beans < click the link for our homemade recipe
- 1/2 cup sweet pork < click the link for our homemade recipe, Cafe Rio style
- 2 cups leafy green not iceberg, or Romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup Pico de Gallo < click the link for our homemade recipe
- 1/4 cup guacamole < click the link for our homemade recipe
- 1/4 cup tortilla strips < click the link for our homemade recipe
- 1 tablespoon cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup tomatillo ranch dressing < click the link for our homemade recipe, creamy
- OR cilantro lime dressing < click the link for our homemade recipe
Instructions
- Lay a tortilla in the bottom of an aluminum tin, a bowl, or plate. Sprinkle cheese on it, and put in the oven at 375 for about 5 min or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and add rice, beans, and pork.
- Next add the lettuce. Top with pico de gallo, guacamole, tortilla strips, cilantro, and Cotija cheese.
- Serve with the cilantro ranch or vinaigrette dressing and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 9" round disposable foil pans to serve for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Choose between thick, creamy tomatillo ranch or tangy cilantro lime vinaigrette dressings; chipotle ranch or balsamic vinaigrette can be alternatives.
- The ingredient amounts provided make one salad, but preparing all component recipes can serve multiple people.
- Store leftover components separately in airtight containers to preserve texture; sweet pork freezes well and should be thawed before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 783 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 783kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 87g | 29% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1771mg | 74% |
| Potassium | 842mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 12g | 48% |
| Sugar | 27g | 54% |
| Vitamin A | 9050IU | 181% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 423mg | 42% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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