Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients.
- Easy to make – Simple steps with minimal prep time.
- Great for meal prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
- Customizable – Adjust ingredients to fit your taste.
- Perfect for any occasion – Enjoy it as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Quinoa (or bulgur, traditionally used in the original recipe)
- Cucumber, diced
- Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh mint, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Pistachios, chopped
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, diced cucumber, chickpeas, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Swap quinoa for bulgur – The original recipe likely used bulgur instead of quinoa.
- Add protein – Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Make it vegan – Skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Try different nuts – Almonds or walnuts work well instead of pistachios.
- Boost the flavor – Add garlic, green onions, or a dash of cumin.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as fresh herbs and cucumbers lose their texture.
- Reheating: Best enjoyed cold, but if needed, gently warm in the microwave without the feta and pistachios.
FAQs
What makes this salad so popular?
It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and was reportedly Jennifer Aniston’s go-to meal during Friends.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s great for meal prep and tastes even better after the flavors meld.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, if you use quinoa. If using bulgur, it contains gluten.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative works well.
How do I keep the salad fresh?
Store it in an airtight container and add the pistachios just before serving.
What’s the best way to cook quinoa for this salad?
Rinse it first, then cook in a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio until fluffy.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Try bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken, salmon, or cooked lentils for extra protein.
What dressing goes best with this salad?
Lemon juice and olive oil keep it light, but you can add balsamic or Greek dressing.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, just drain and rinse them well before adding to the salad.
Conclusion
The Jennifer Aniston Salad is a delicious, fresh, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, a meal prep staple, or a nutritious side, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. Try it today and see why it became so famous!
PrintJennifer Aniston Salad
The Jennifer Aniston Salad is a fresh, nutritious, and protein-packed meal, inspired by the actress’s go-to dish while filming Friends. Made with quinoa, chickpeas, cucumbers, feta, and fresh herbs, this salad is light, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy it as a healthy lunch, side dish, or refreshing summer salad!
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Category: salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (or bulgur, as in the original recipe)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then let it cool.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine quinoa, diced cucumber, chickpeas, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese.
3️⃣ Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Toss everything together until well combined.
5️⃣ Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.
Notes
- Quinoa vs. Bulgur: The original salad likely used bulgur instead of quinoa. Swap if preferred.
- Vegan Option: Omit feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Extra Flavor: Add garlic, green onions, or a pinch of cumin.
