How to Make a “Jennifer Aniston” Salad

While Jennifer Aniston didn’t actually invent it, this salad had a viral moment on TikTok for a reason!

I first had this salad at a work potluck and immediately fell in love. The acid from the lemons, the bold flavor of the herbs, and the crunch from the pistachios had me at first bite.

This is a great side to bring to any summer event (along with hummus or a vegan charcuterie board) as it fits most dietary restrictions by being both vegan and gluten-free. And it’s quick to put together, which is a definite plus!

Why is it called the Jennifer Aniston salad?

You might have seen a version of this salad go viral on TikTok recently as the salad Jennifer Aniston ate on the set of Friends. But upon further research, I learned the name is misleading (surely the first time something on the internet wasn’t true, right??). According to Jennifer herself, her regular lunch on the Friends set was actually a dressed-up Cobb salad.

So why do we love this recipe?? While it has nothing to do with Jennifer Aniston, this salad is so delicious and good for you, I’m still glad a bunch of people decided to make it go viral!

This quinoa salad has so many fresh ingredients—and with summer winding down, I’m trying to eat all the fresh foods I can. It has a lot of plants in it (anyone else trying to diversify their diet and eat more than 30 plants per week??) and so much protein for a dish without meat!

Odds are good you need more fiber in your diet, too.

Quinoa is the perfect grain for this salad because it adds protein, but also adds a lot of insoluble fiber.

Did you know most Americans don’t get enough fiber? The recommended daily intake is 25-38 grams per day from food (not vitamins or supplements), but the average American eats 15 grams of fiber per day.

Fiber benefits you by:

• Keeping you full longer
• Aiding in healthy digestion
• Protecting bowel health
• Controlling your blood sugar levels
• Feeding your gut microbiome
• Lowering cholesterol

So let’s go eat a lot of plants, and consequently, a lot of fiber!

Happy eating,
Elana

“Jennifer Aniston” Salad

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup quinoa uncooked
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 large cucumber chopped
• 1 small red onion diced
• 1 1/2 cups mint chopped
• 1 cup parsley chopped
• 1 cup pistachios chopped
• 3-4 large lemons juiced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Combine quinoa (1c), water (2c), and salt (pinch) in a small pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Allow to cook for 15 minutes, or until quinoa has absorbed all water.
• While quinoa is cooking, add chickpeas (2cans), vegetables (1 cucumber, 1 red onion), herbs (1.5c mint, 1c parsley), and pistachios (1c) to a large bowl.
• Mix dressing (juice of 3-4 lemons, .5c olive oil, salt) by shaking in a small jar or whisking in a small bowl.
• Once quinoa is cooked, add to other ingredients in the large bowl.
• Add dressing and toss to combine.
• Serve immediately on its own or add grilled tofu for a full meal!

Notes

Notes: the original viral version of this also calls for feta cheese. Feel free to add vegan feta if you would like!

Keyword easy, gluten-free, gluten-friendly, healthy, vegan, vegan-friendly, vegetarian