Jennifer Aniston Salad

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 30

Servings: people

Calories: 430kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

One bite of the viral Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad and you’ll be hooked! It was the actress’ top choice for lunch during her time on Friends for good reason - it’s easy to make, loaded with healthy grains and veggies, and perfect for meal prep.

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Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa or bulgur wheat, uncooked
2 cups water
½ small red onion diced
1 ½ cups cucumber chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
1/2 cup mint chopped
1/2 cup pistachios chopped
1 15-oz. can chickpeas drained and rinsed
1/2 cup feta cheese cubed
2 lemons juiced, plus more to taste
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Rinse and drain quinoa. Add quinoa, water and a pinch of salt to a small pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, add minced red onion to a bowl of cold water and let soak for 10-minutes, drain. This helps to tame down the onion.
Juice the lemons into a large bowl. Add olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.
Add the cooled quinoa, red onion, cucumber, parsley, mint, pistachios, chickpeas and feta. Toss to combine and season with additional salt and pepper and lemon juice, to taste.

Video

Notes

Storage

Leftovers will keep for up to 5 days.

Tips and tricks

Always rinse your quinoa! The natural coating on the outside of the grains (called saponin) will make your quinoa gummy and taste bitter. Rinse it off to make perfectly fluffy and delicious quinoa every time.
To rinse quinoa, pour it into a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Make sure the cooked quinoa or bulgur is cold before you assemble the salad or else the heat will soften the vegetables. Save time by cooking the grains 1 or 2 days ahead of time and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge until it’s time to assemble.
There’s plenty of room for more veggies, different dressings, and protein options here. Keep scrolling for my add-in suggestions!

Customize it

Different grains – Like farro or brown rice.
Grain free – Swap the quinoa and bulgur for cauliflower rice.
Add more or different vegetables – Like cherry tomatoes, edamame, green peas, and avocado.
Use a more elaborate dressing – This green goddess dressing and Italian dressing would pair very well.
Different herbs – Swap the mint and parsley for cilantro or basil instead.
Add protein – Make the salad extra filling by tossing in hard boiled eggs, cooked ground turkey, shredded chicken, or shrimp.

Nutrition