Jennifer Aniston Salad

The Jennifer Aniston Salad is a fresh, protein-packed, and nutritious dish that went viral for its simple yet delicious combination of flavors. Known for being one of Jennifer’s go-to meals, this salad features bulgur wheat, chickpeas, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and feta cheese, making it a perfect light lunch, side dish, or meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
  • Easy to Make – Ready in under 20 minutes!
  • Great for Meal Prep – Stores well for days and tastes even better over time.
  • Refreshing & Light – The perfect summer or post-workout meal.
  • Customizable – Adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Bulgur wheat (or quinoa for a gluten-free option)
  • Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Cucumber, diced
  • Red onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Fresh mint, chopped
  • Feta cheese, crumbled
  • Pistachios, chopped
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Bulgur Wheat

  1. Boil Water – Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
  2. Cook Bulgur – Add 1 cup of bulgur, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

  1. Chop & Mix – In a large bowl, combine the cooked bulgur, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and pistachios.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

  1. Whisk Together – In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

  1. Toss & Coat – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
  2. Add Feta – Sprinkle crumbled feta on top before serving.
  3. Enjoy! – Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for a more developed flavor.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free – Swap bulgur for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
  • Extra Protein – Add grilled chicken or salmon.
  • Vegan Option – Omit feta or use dairy-free cheese.
  • More Crunch – Add sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
  • Creamier Texture – Mix in mashed avocado.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to the fresh ingredients.
  • Serving Tip: Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Is this really Jennifer Aniston’s salad?

While it’s inspired by what she reportedly ate daily on the Friends set, variations exist.

Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes! Just rinse and drain them well.

What if I don’t like mint?

Leave it out or replace it with more parsley.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Goat cheese or ricotta salata works well.

How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

Store the dressing separately and mix before serving.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours.

What can I serve this salad with?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or pita bread make great additions.

Can I add tomatoes?

Yes! Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes add extra flavor.

How do I make the dressing more flavorful?

Add a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, or Dijon mustard.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade is fresher and healthier!

Conclusion

The Jennifer Aniston Salad is a light, fresh, and protein-packed meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for lunch, meal prep, or a side dish, this healthy salad is a must-try. Give it a go and enjoy a taste of Hollywood-inspired clean eating!

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Jennifer Aniston Salad

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The Jennifer Aniston Salad is a fresh, protein-packed, and nutritious dish that went viral for its simple yet delicious combination of flavors. Known for being one of Jennifer’s go-to meals, this salad features bulgur wheat, chickpeas, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and feta cheese, making it a perfect light lunch, side dish, or meal prep option.
  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Lunch, Meal Prep
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or bulgur)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
  • ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa (or Bulgur)

  1. If using quinoa, cook according to package instructions and let cool.
  2. If using bulgur, soak in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa (or bulgur), chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, pistachios, and feta cheese.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Toss & Serve

  1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  2. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to 3 days for the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Swap the grain: Use couscous, farro, or brown rice instead of quinoa/bulgur.
  • Make it vegan: Omit the feta or swap it for vegan cheese.
  • Want more protein? Add grilled chicken or tofu.

 

  • Make-ahead meal: This salad is perfect for meal prep—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

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