Jennifer Aniston's Salad: High-Protein Quinoa Salad

Name: The Jennifer Aniston Salad: Fresh Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dry quinoa; 2 cups vegetable Broth; 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1/2 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1/4 cup fresh mint (finely chopped); 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced); 1 English cucumber (diced); 1/2 cup pistachios (chopped ); 1/2 cup feta ((or vegan feta)); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup lemon juice (1-2 lemons); 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp fresh mint (finely chopped); salt to taste

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Get a taste of the viral Jennifer Aniston's salad with our quick and nutritious version. Our High-protein twist features quinoa, chickpeas, fresh herbs, crisp veggies, pistachios, and feta all drizzled with a lemony mint vinaigrette.

Close-up of a scoop of the Jennifer Aniston quinoa salad being served from a large bowl into a black and white patterned serving bowl, showing the creamy feta and fresh herbs on top.

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Jump to:

👪Why You'll Love This Salad
💪🏽Nutrient Highlight
🥦What's In This Salad: Main Ingredients
👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
💡Expert Tips for Jennifer Aniston’s Salad
⏲️ Time-Saving Tip
🥬Substitutions & Variations
🥡How to Store
🫛Need More High-Protein Recipes?
❔Recipe FAQ
🥣More Fresh Healthy Recipes
📖 Recipe
📝Information Source

I am all about hearty, well-balanced salads that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and nutrient-dense. So when I heard about the viral Jennifer Aniston Salad I just had to check it out!

And no, I'm not talking about the Cobb salad she and Courteney Cox ate every day for 10 years on the set of Friends. This is not that salad!

Jennifer Aniston shared this recipe on Instagram during a takeover for Living Proof. Titled "My perfect salad", this recipe went viral as a healthier tabbouleh recipe made with bulgar, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and pistachios.

What stood out to me about Jennifer Aniston's Salad was how easily this salad can be made gluten-free and high in protein by swapping out bulgar for quinoa! And, while Jen did not share a dressing recipe, we have crafted the perfect blend of flavors to pair with the salad. Our signature lemony mint vinaigrette is a great gluten-free salad dressing that packs a burst of fresh flavor.

Whether you're meal prepping for a busy week ahead or looking for a healthy option that travels well for work lunches or camping trips with the family, this salad's got you covered.

Need More Healthy Salads?

Tahini Ceasar Salad with Chickpea Croutons (High-Protein, Gluten-free)
Wild Rice and Roasted Veggies (High in Fiber, Gluten-Free)
Fresh Arugula and Spinach Salad with Fennel and Roasted Beans (High-Protein, Gluten-free)

The salad ingredients are fully mixed on a white plate with a red rim. The quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, feta cheese, red onion, pistachios, and parsley are evenly distributed, showing a blend of colors and textures.

👪Why You'll Love This Salad

Gluten-Free: Swapping bulgur for quinoa makes this salad gluten-free and high in protein. It is a perfect swap for anyone without missing out on taste.
Protein-Packed: With chickpeas, quinoa, and feta, it's loaded with protein, and nutrient-dense, keeping you full and fueled.
Easy Meal Prep: This salad is a breeze to whip up, stores well, and makes great leftovers. A perfect recipe to meal prep or double for leftovers.
Travels Well: Perfect to take to work, pack into lunchboxes, or bring along to a picnic or your camping adventures.
Easily Dairy-Free and Vegan: Jennifer Aniston's salad is just as great without the feta or by swapping for vegan feta. Plus our dressing is made without dairy or animal products for a vegan alternative.

💪🏽Nutrient Highlight

Why This Salad Stands Out

Now, why did the Jenifer Aniston Salad make me do a double-take? As someone with a PhD in Health Science and Neuroscience, I'm always on the lookout for meals that satisfy the taste buds and support overall brain health. Here's why this salad gets a thumbs-up:

High in Protein (14g): Protein is essential for brain function, helping in the repair of brain cells, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are crucial for communication within the brain (1, 2).
Contains Plant Fiber (7g): High fiber intake supports gut health, which is directly linked to brain health through the gut-brain axis (3).
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids (from Polyunsaturated Fat, 5g): These fats are vital for brain health, improving cognition and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (4).
Rich in Vitamin A (1211IU) & Vitamin C (19mg): These vitamins aid in brain cell growth and combat oxidative stress (5).
Contains Iron (4mg) & Zinc (3mg): Play crucial roles in oxygen transportation and neuron development, vital for a healthy brain (6).

🥦What's In This Salad: Main Ingredients

Various ingredients are displayed on a marble countertop, each in separate white bowls with orange rims. The ingredients are labeled with text and include chopped pistachios, diced cucumber, dry quinoa, cooked chickpeas, diced red onions, chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and minced mint. A note indicates that veggie broth is part of the recipe but not pictured.

The Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish. Here's a look at the salad ingredients that bring this delicious salad to life:

Dry Quinoa: The base of our quinoa salad, providing a nutty flavor and a nice crunch, it's a great source of plant-based protein.
Vegetable Broth: Cooking quinoa in vegetable broth adds an extra layer of flavor, making the quinoa even more delicious.
Canned Chickpeas: These garbanzo beans are not only a nod to the original recipe but also boost the protein content, making the salad more filling.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and color, echoing the fresh herbs that elevate any good salad.
Fresh Mint: This herb brings a unique freshness that complements the parsley beautifully, enhancing the salad's overall flavor profile.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor and a bit of crunch, contributing to the salad's complexity.
Pistachios: These nuts offer a delightful crunch and healthy fats, enriching the salad's texture and nutritional value.
Feta (or Vegan Feta): The creamy texture and tangy taste of feta cheese or its vegan alternative add depth, making Jennifer Aniston's salad even more versatile and appealing to various dietary preferences.

For full quantities, see the recipe card.

Our Signature Lemon-Mint Dressing Ingredients:

The perfect pairing for Jennifer Aniston's salad and the ultimate gluten-free salad dressing. Here is everything you will need:

Small containers hold ingredients for a salad dressing on a wooden serving board. The containers are labeled with text and include olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt.

Olive Oil: A staple in creating a delicious salad dressing, olive oil not only adds a smooth texture but also contributes healthy fats to our viral Jennifer Aniston salad recipe.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, tangy flavor to the salad, enhancing the fresh herbs and making every bite of this healthy salad even more refreshing.
Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup in the dressing balances the acidity with a subtle sweetness, complementing the overall flavor profile of this famous salad.
Fresh Mint: Adding finely chopped fresh mint to the dressing ties together the flavors, echoing the fresh mint used in the salad itself for a burst of freshness.
Salt: A pinch of salt to taste perfects the salad dressing, highlighting the salad ingredients and ensuring this delicious salad is seasoned just right.

👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: How to Prepare the Quinoa:

Bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of dry quinoa and return to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until all the liquid is absorbed about 8-12 minutes.

A pot with vegetable broth is shown, and a hand is pouring dry quinoa into it, indicating the start of the cooking process.

A stainless steel pot on a grey cloth with cooked quinoa that appears fluffy and expanded after absorbing the liquid.

Pro Tip: Check your package instructions. Cooking quinoa according to package directions guarantees the best texture. We are simply replacing the water with veggie broth for this step.

Step 2: Fluff and Cool Quinoa:

Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature before adding it to the salad.

A hand is stirring the cooked quinoa in the pot, showcasing the texture of the quinoa after being cooked.

Cooked quinoa is transferred from the pot to a white plate with a red rim, similar to the first image, on a marble surface.

Step 3: How to Make The Dressing:

Into a mason jar (or small bowl), combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and finely chopped fresh mint. Secure the lid and shake well until the ingredients are well mixed.

A hand is pouring olive oil into a clear glass container to prepare the dressing.

A clear glass container is shown with olive oil and chopped herbs in it, the contents are being mixed.

The final image of the dressing shows a glass container with a greenish mixture of olive oil and lemon juice infused with herbs, shaken and ready to be used.

Pro Tip: Making your simple lemon vinaigrette in a mason jar not only ensures a well-emulsified dressing but also makes for easy storage in an airtight container if you have leftovers.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients:

Into a large bowl, combine the ingredients for your Jennifer Aniston salad. Mix the cooled quinoa, chopped parsley and mint, finely diced red onion, chopped pistachios, feta, and drained and rinsed chickpeas.

A bowl of prepared ingredients including cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, and whole chickpeas arranged in separate sections on a white plate with a red rim, placed on a marble surface. A wooden sushi mat and a grey cloth napkin can be seen in the background.

Jennifer Aniston Salad-ingredients (11).jpg: Alt Text: "Overhead view of a large white plate with a red rim on a marble countertop, with neatly arranged portions of diced cucumbers, cooked quinoa, whole chickpeas, finely chopped parsley, and minced red onions.

Step 5: How to Dress This Salad:

Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Pour the dressing gradually, tasting as you go, to ensure the salad isn't overdressed. This keeps it light and allows the natural flavors of Jenifer Aniston's salad ingredients to shine.

A large white plate with red trim holds ingredients for a salad, including cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, diced red onion, minced parsley, and chickpeas. A hand is shown pouring a dressing made of olive oil and herbs over this Jennifer Aniston Salad recipe.

Ingredients on a large white plate are being mixed with a silver spoon by a hand. The plate contains quinoa, cucumber, feta cheese, chickpeas, red onion, parsley, and pistachios with a green herb-infused dressing drizzled over.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This salad is versatile; enjoy it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to meld. It's perfect for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day.

A person's hand is sprinkling crumbled feta cheese over a salad in a black and white patterned serving bowl, which is resting on a wooden striped board. A silver spoon and a second bowl of salad are also visible on the board.

💡Expert Tips for Jennifer Aniston’s Salad

Creating the famous Jennifer Aniston salad recipe is all about balance and technique. Here are four tips to ensure your salad is a hit every time:

Quinoa Cooking: For fluffy quinoa, ensure you're using a 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa. Cook in broth, ensure all the liquid is absorbed, and fluff with a fork.
Dressing Balance: Always taste and adjust your salad dressing recipes! The key is to find a balance your preference between between tangy and sweet.
Prevent Sogginess: To keep the salad fresh, dress the salad lightly before storing. You can always add a bit more dressing before serving. Store your Jennifer Aniston salad in an airtight container in the fridge!
Herb Freshness: Use freshly chopped herbs for the best flavor. If you're meal prepping, consider adding the herbs closer to serving time to keep their flavors bright.

Close-up of the Jennifer Aniston salad showcasing the textures and colors of the combined ingredients: chickpeas, diced cucumber, crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, red onion, parsley, and quinoa.

⏲️ Time-Saving Tip

Here are a few time-saving tips to keep in mind when making our version of Jennifer Aniston's salad recipe:

Cook Quinoa Ahead (and In Bulk): Cook a larger batch of quinoa and store it in the fridge. It's a perfect base for this salad and can be used in other recipes throughout the week.
Chop in Advance: Dice and store them in separate containers in the fridge.
Dressing Ahead: The simple lemon vinaigrette can be made in advance.

🥬Substitutions & Variations

Missing an ingredient? No worries, here are some easy swaps:

Quinoa: No quinoa? Try brown rice (gluten-free swap) or couscous (not gluten-free) for a similar texture and health benefits. The original Jennifer Aniston Salad was made with bulgar, which is another great choice if you aren't gluten-free.
Pistachios: Swap pistachios with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that nice crunch. Each offers a unique flavor and a boost of healthy fats.
Herbs: If you're out of fresh parsley or mint, basil or cilantro can be a fresh alternative, adding a new twist to the original recipe.
Cucumber: Bell peppers or thinly sliced zucchini are great for adding crunch and color.
Red Onion: For a milder taste, green onion can be used in place of red onion, still keeping the salad flavorful.
Feta: Goat cheese is a creamy alternative, or for a dairy-free option, tofu feta can mimic the texture and tanginess of traditional feta.

A hand is shown sprinkling crumbled feta cheese over the Jennifer Aniston salad in a black and white patterned bowl, with the larger bowl of salad visible in the background.

Leftovers & Variation Ideas

Leftovers of this delicious Jennifer Aniston Salad are perfect for meal prep, tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld together. For a variation, consider:

Adding Grilled Chicken
Add Crispy Tofu: like this recipe we also used it for our famous fiery spring rolls
Veggie Loaded: Consider adding roasted sweet potatoes, squash, or whatever you have on hand.
Wrap it up: This quinoa salad is amazing wrapped into a burrito.

🥡How to Store

Store any leftovers of the Jennifer Aniston salad recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, the salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For the best experience, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

A bowl of the Jennifer Aniston quinoa salad, neatly arranged on a wooden board with a sushi mat underneath. The mix includes chickpeas, quinoa, cucumber, and feta, sprinkled with red onion and herbs

🫛Need More High-Protein Recipes?

If you are looking for more high-protein or well-balanced recipes be sure to check out these:

❔Recipe FAQ

What makes Jennifer Aniston's salad so special?

This salad gained popularity for its healthy ingredients and the fact that Jennifer Aniston reportedly enjoyed it regularly. It's known for being a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, smart carbs, healthy fats, and veggies.

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Yes, the Jennifer Aniston salad is traditionally made with bulgur wheat, but quinoa is a great gluten-free alternative. Brown rice or farro can also be used as substitutes.

Can I prepare Jennifer Aniston's salad in advance for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the ingredients and store them separately or assemble the salad without the dressing, which can be added right before serving.

🥣More Fresh Healthy Recipes

If you enjoyed this high-protein version of Jennifer Aniston's Salad then we know you will love these too:

📖 Recipe

📝Information Source

Das, K. P., Das, P. C., Dasgupta, S., & Dey, C. D. (1993). Serotonergic-cholinergic neurotransmitters' function in brain during cadmium exposure in protein restricted rat. Biological trace element research, 36(2), 119–127. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02783170
Ansari, A. H., Singh, D., & Singh, S. (2024). Effect of plant-based diets on the brain. In Nutraceutical Fruits and Foods for Neurodegenerative Disorders (pp. 249-260).
Berding, K., Carbia, C., & Cryan, J. F. (2021). Going with the grain: Fiber, cognition, and the microbiota-gut-brain-axis. Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.), 246(7), 796–811.
Rao, A. S., Nair, A., Nivetha, K., Ayesha, B., Hardi, K., Divya, V., Veena, S. M., Anantharaju, K. S., & More, S. S. (2024). Impacts of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Natural Elixirs for Neuronal Health, on Brain Development and Functions. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 2761, 209–229.
Fiona E. Harrison, James M. May (2009). Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 4696) 719-730, ISSN 0891-5849.
Ward, R. J., Zucca, F. A., Duyn, J. H., Crichton, R. R., & Zecca, L. (2014). The role of iron in brain ageing and neurodegenerative disorders. The Lancet Neurology, 13(10), 1045-1060.

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