Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this mouthwatering Cafe Rio Style Sweet Pork Salad that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender, sweet-and-savory pork melting over crisp romaine lettuce, topped with zesty black beans, sweet corn, and a creamy tomatillo dressing that will have everyone begging for seconds. This restaurant-inspired recipe brings the magic of Cafe Rio right to your dining table, promising a meal that's not just delicious, but also surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork roast
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup creamy tomatillo dressing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the sweet pork. In a slow cooker, combine the 2 lbs of pork roast, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of salsa. Make sure the pork is well coated with the sugar and salsa mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the pork to cook for approximately 6 hours, or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it back into the remaining sauce. Let it sit on the warm setting for about 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the pork is resting, prepare the salad base. Chop the head of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large serving bowl.
- Rinse and drain the 1 cup of black beans, then add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Add 1 cup of corn to the salad bowl, mixing gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Once the pork is ready, use a slotted spoon to serve the sweet pork over the salad mixture in the bowl.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the salad, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the pork.
- Drizzle 1/2 cup of creamy tomatillo dressing over the salad, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
- Serve the Cafe Rio Style Sweet Pork Salad immediately, allowing each person to mix the ingredients together as they desire.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of pork: A pork shoulder or Boston butt works best for slow cooking, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Low and slow is the key: Cook the pork on low heat for the full 6 hours to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don't skip the resting time: Letting the shredded pork sit in its sauce helps it absorb maximum flavor.
- Customize your salad: Feel free to add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips.
- Make extra pork: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a larger batch for quick future meals.
- For a spicier version, use a hot salsa or add some jalapeños to the slow cooker.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 735kcal
Carbohydrates: 72g
Protein: 51g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 110mg
