Faux Cafe Rio Salad

I am so excited to share this recipe with you! It is something I came up with over a year ago (except the tortilla addition is new). If you don't live in Utah, you probably don't know Cafe Rio... they have the most addictive salad around! If you ever come to town you must try the real thing. For now, here is a low fat version.

Salad: Layer in order listed below (tortilla on the bottom)

Tortilla: See recipe below... you really don't need the tortilla... but they are so tasty!
Pinto or black beans: It is best to make these yourself, soak over night, boil the next day. If you are in a hurry or hate cooking beans, just buy the can. Do not buy the refried, rather buy the whole beans. Be sure to rinse them in a strainer.
Rice: Use a whole grain rice
Shredded red chili chicken breast: the best way to make this is to boil it. I use a clove of garlic, chili powder, salt, lime juice and water. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the breast.
Spinach: costco sells a jumbo bag...but it... we'll be using a lot of spinach.
Lime: just a slice
Salsa Fresca: buy it or use: tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, cilantro
Avocado: sliced
Three tortilla chips:

Dressing
In a blender mix the following:
1 Bottle of low fat or no fat Ranch dressing (tonight I am going to try greek yogurt w/a ranch pouch. I'll let you know how it goes)
1 garlic clove
3 tomatillos
2 jalpenos (you can use one if you are scared of heat or add a serrano if it isn't hot enough!)

Tortillas my friend Dena gave me this recipe. They are so good! Even if you are anti beer, try them.. the alcohol cooks out.

4 cups flour (try whole wheat flour!)
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can room temperature beer

Mix all of the ingredients down to the olive oil, then add the beer. Once the mixture comes together knead it with your hands. once the dough isn't sticky and in a ball cover it for 7 minutes to let it rest. Then use your fist to make small balls of dough, tuck the dough under. (i'll make a video so you know what I mean...) Let rest for a few more minutes
roll and cook. It is best to cook these on a flat super hot pan.