Description
The legendary Jennifer Aniston Salad—a perfect balance of grains, veggies, and protein that kept the star fueled during her *Friends* days. This wholesome, nutrient-packed salad combines bulgur wheat (or quinoa), cucumbers, chickpeas, and feta in a lemony dressing for a refreshing yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup bulgur wheat or quinoa, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium English cucumber, diced
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted pistachios or almonds
- For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook grains: In a saucepan, bring water/broth to a boil. Add bulgur (or quinoa), reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes (or per package instructions). Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Prep veggies: Meanwhile, dice cucumber, chop herbs, and rinse chickpeas.
- Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooled grains, chickpeas, cucumber, onion, parsley, and mint.
- Toss: Pour dressing over salad and gently mix. Top with feta and nuts.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Meal prep: Stores well for 3 days—keep nuts separate until serving.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Vegan option: Skip feta or use dairy-free alternative.
- Low-carb: Substitute bulgur with cauliflower rice.
- Original version reportedly used pearl barley (adjust cook time to 25-30 mins if using).
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Lunch Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: California-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 8mg