Jennifer Aniston Salad (High Protein) – high in plant-based protein and super simple to make, this flavorful viral salad is addictive and perfect for meal prep!

close up of jennifer aniston salad in a large bowl

Word is Jennifer Aniston ate a version of this salad everyday while filming Friends. While I certainly can’t confirm the validity of this fact, I CAN verify just how tasty and delicious this salad is! It is jam packed with flavor, high in protein and fiber, and super filling. If JA did eat it every day, I can definitely see why – it’s truly addictive, in the best way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Requires simple, budget friendly ingredients.
  • Easy to prepare and great for making ahead for quick lunches.
  • Customizable – see my tips for variations below and totally make it your own!
  • It’s nutritious and filling, high in protein and fiber!

Ingredients

  • Quinoa – use your favorite variety of quinoa or see my ideas for substitutions below.
  • Chickpeas – a great source of protein and fiber!
  • English Cucumber
  • Red Onion – finely diced red onion adds a crunchy sweet bite to the salad.
  • Feta Cheese – you can’t go wrong with creamy, salty crumbled feta in grain-based salads.
  • Shelled Pistachios 
  • Hemp Seeds – this is my personal touch to the recipe, but totally optional. Hemp heart seeds are high in protein and Omega threes, making them a great addition to your diet. They add a delicious nutty crunch to salads!
  • Fresh Herbs – parsley and mint, finely chopped.
  • Lemon juice – fresh lemon juice is best. Depending on the size/juiciness of your lemons, you will need 1-2.
  • Olive Oil – avocado oil could be substituted here if desired.
  • Salt and pepper

ingredients for jennifer aniston salad

How to Make Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions and let cool.
  2. When ready to assemble the salad, chop the red onion, cucumber, herbs, and pistachios.
  3. Drain and rinse chickpeas, removing any noticeable extra skins.
  4. Make the dressing by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk well.
  5. Add quinoa, red onion, cucumber, herbs, pistachios, chickpeas, feta, and hemp seeds to a large bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss well to combine.
  6. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Variations

  • Up the protein by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.
  • Swap the pistachios for your favorite chopped nuts like almonds, pinenuts, cashews. etc.
  • Omit the feta for a dairy free version.
  • Substitute farro, bulgur, couscous, or brown rice in place of the quinoa.
  • Add chopped bell peppers or other veggies if desired.

salad and dressing bowls side by side

Common Questions

What are the Macros for Jennifer Aniston salad?

The nutritional info for one serving of Jennifer Aniston Salad is as follows:

  • Protein: 17 grams
  • Carbs: 44 grams
  • Fat: 23 grams
  • Fiber: 9 grams

Can I Use a Different Dressing?

Sure! It’s easy to customize the flavor profile of grain-based salads. Change up the ingredients and dressing to your liking. My Sesame Ginger Dressing is a favorite!

How to Store?

Keep salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

 

 

 

 

large bowl of jennifer aniston salad with serving spoon divided meal prep containers with jennifer aniston salad, hard boiled eggs, and berries

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jennifer aniston salad in large bowl with serving spoon

Jennifer Aniston Salad

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Author: Nikki
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: gluten free, meal prep quinoa salad, quinoa salad, tabbouleh salad, viral jennifer aniston salad
Jennifer Aniston Salad (High Protein) - high in plant-based protein and super simple to make, this flavorful viral salad is addictive and perfect for meal prep!
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 15 oz chickpeas
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
  • 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Let cool.
  • Finely chop the red onion, cucumber, pistachios, and herbs. Set aside.
  • Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
  • Combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mason jar or glass measuring cup. Whisk well.
  • Add quinoa, red onion, cucumber, pistachios, herbs, chickpeas, feta, and hemp seeds to a large bowl. Pour dressing over the top and toss well to combine.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 803mg, Potassium: 529mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 217IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 168mg, Iron: 5mg

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