While the exact recipe Jennifer Aniston relied on is a bit of a mystery here’s a widely popular version of the Jennifer Aniston Salad that combines the most common elements:
Yields: 2-4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup cooked bulgur wheat or quinoa (follow package instructions)
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Veggies
- 1-2 cucumbers, diced
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ – ½ cup chopped fresh mint
Extras
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (roasted and salted)
Dressing
- Juice of 2-3 lemons (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the grain: Prepare the bulgur wheat or quinoa according to package directions. Let it cool slightly.
- Prep the veggies: While the grain cooks, dice the cucumbers, chop the red onion, and roughly chop the parsley and mint leaves.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled bulgur or quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint. Add the feta cheese and pistachios.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Dress and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Tips
Variations: The Jennifer Aniston Salad is highly adaptable. Explore using other herbs, adding different nuts, or swapping the feta for goat cheese.
Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a heartier salad.
