3.06.2011

like cafe rio's shredded chicken salad

"tastes like" recipes below:
cafe rio shredded chicken ~ slow cooker
low-fat creamy cilantro lime dressing
cilantro lime brown basmati rice


the best thing about this salad is everything can be prepared ahead of time.  i used my slow cooker for the chicken, mixed the salad dressing in the morning (it's best if all of the ingredients have time to incorporate in the fridge for a few hours anyway) and, my rice cooker has a timer option so i can put everything in early and then set it to go on two hours before dinner will need to be ready (brown basmati takes about two hours in the rice cooker - fyi).

low-fat creamy cilantro lime dressing
recipe source skinny taste
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup fat-free plain greek yogurt
1/4 cup cilantro
1 green onion, chopped
1 tomatillo, husks removed & chopped
juice from 1/2 lime
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/8 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/4 tsp kosher salt

add all ingredients to a food processor to combine



makes 8 servings
2 tbsp = serving
Nutrition Facts
two tbsp serving
creamy cilantro lime salad dressing
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories64
Total Fat5g
      Saturated Fat0.7g
      Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol5mg
Sodium136mg
Carbohydrate3.6g
      Dietary Fiber0.4g
      Sugars1.9g
Protein1.5g
Vitamin A 3%Vitamin C 8%
Calcium    3%Iron 1%


cafe rio shredded chicken ~ slow cooker
recipe source perry's plate
3 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cup light italian salad dressing
1 tbsp chili powder
3 cloves garlic, minced

mix dressing, chili powder and garlic in a small bowl.  place chicken in slow cooker and pour dressing mixture over top.  cook on low for 7-8 hours.  shred chicken before serving.

(**i gotta be honest, i was leery of this recipe. the italian dressing just sounded weird and not how i recall cafe rio's chicken tasting like at all.  but! it was really good and seriously, it tasted very similar to cafe rio's shredded chicken so, what do i know?)


makes 6 servings
Nutrition Facts
cafe rio chicken
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories256
Total Fat6.2g
      Saturated Fat0g
      Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol120mg
Sodium1413mg
Carbohydrate5.2g
      Dietary Fiber0.4g
      Sugars4.1g
Protein46.2g
Vitamin A 7%Vitamin C 2%
Calcium    0%Iron 1%


cilantro lime brown basmati rice
2 cups brown basmati rice
4 cups liquid as follows:
squeeze juice from 1/2 lime into 1 cup measuring cup.  fill remainder with low sodium chicken broth = 1 cup total liquid. add 1 more cup of chicken broth and then 2 cups of water = 4 cups total.
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 - 4 oz can mild green chilies
1/3 cup cilantro

blend chilies and cilantro in food processor.
combine all of the ingredients in a rice cooker or heavy bottom sauce pan.
for rice cooker, follow manual for cooking directions.



for stove top, bring rice everything to a boil over medium-high heat stirring occasionally.  reduce to simmer and cover.  cook for 50-60 minutes (for brown rice). 

(**if you use anything other than brown rice, make sure to follow the rice : liquid ratios on the package.  brown rice requires more liquid and longer cook times).


makes 6 servings
Nutrition Facts
cilantro lime brown basmati rice
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories222
Total Fat2g
      Saturated Fat0g
      Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium204mg
Carbohydrate46.9g
      Dietary Fiber2.9g
      Sugars1.8g
Protein6.4g
Vitamin A 1%Vitamin C 8%
Calcium    1%Iron 6%


my girl helped me put our salads together (just she, the hub and i had salad.  the boys had burritos).
i bought pie pans for the full effect.
we used la tortilla factory whole wheat tortillas (costco!) and spread a layer of sharp cheddar on on each tortilla.


melt cheese on tortillas in a warm oven pre-heated to 300 degrees.
prepare salad as desired.


additional topping ideas:
black beans
light sour cream
guacamole
pico de gallo
tortilla strips
ground parmesan cheese
cilantro


yum!

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