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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.
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
- Boil Water Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- 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
- Chop & Mix In a large bowl, combine the cooked bulgur, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and pistachios.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- Whisk Together In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Toss & Coat Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Add Feta Sprinkle crumbled feta on top before serving.
- 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!
Description
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.
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa (or Bulgur)
- If using quinoa, cook according to package instructions and let cool.
- If using bulgur, soak in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa (or bulgur), chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, pistachios, and feta cheese.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- 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.
