Cafe Rio Copy Cat Salad

Fit Momma Kali sent in this gorgeous salad recipe for me to try. THANK YOU. I click my heels when I get these fantastic new dishes!

Cafe Rio Copy Cat Salad

by Fit Momma Kali

Dressing
1 Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Packet
1 cup low-fat mayo   **Trainer Momma comment:  I used plain, non-fat yogurt here.  I just have a severe aversion to mayo.  However, this made my dressing very runny.  Still tasty, but runny.
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 tomatillos, husked and diced
1/2 bunch of cilantro
jalapeno (with or without seeds depending on spiciness preferred)
Juice of 1 Lime (1 1/2 Tablespoons bottled lime juice)

Mix all ingredients in a blender. Makes about 3 cups. As I figured it, 15 calories per tablespoon. I was so happy and shocked with this number because this dressing is my FAV!

Salad Fixings
Romaine lettuce
Grilled or broiled chicken breasts (plain or seasoned with your favorite mexican style seasoning or grill packet or just plain chili powder and garlic powder!)
Black beans, rinsed and drained
Salsa
Cilantro for garnish
(other possibilities....baked tortilla chips, reduced fat cheese, whole wheat tortilla, brown rice, avocado)

For Kali's salad:

2 cups romaine: 20 calories
1/2 cup black beans: 140 calories
4 ounces grilled/broiled chicken breast: 120 calories
2 Tablespoons Dressing: 30 calories

That's only 310 calories!! Got some protein and greens, too! YAY and I get my fill for some Mexican food!

Gracias, Kali!

For a printable copy of this recipe, click here.