The Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe (2024)

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The viral Jennifer Aniston salad is super easy to make! Loaded with fresh ingredients – cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta – all tossed in simple lemon dressing. It’s not just healthy, but totally delicious too!

The Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe (1)

Jennifer Aniston recently described her perfect salad as, “bulgur wheat, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and pistachios.” And OMG the internet went CRAZY for it! Recipes similar to the salad the Friends actress described quickly popped up all over TikTok. The Jennifer Aniston salad went viral. So, as a foodie and fellow salad-lover, I had to give it a try for myself.

My version of the salad contains everything Jennifer described – bulgur wheat, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and pistachios – my only addition is a simple lemon, olive oil, salt, and black pepper dressing. Since Jen didn’t offer up a dressing herself, this is what I envisioned a salad like this being tossed in. And let me tell you, it TOTALLY lived up to the hype!

The Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe (2)

What You’ll Need to Make the Jennifer Aniston Salad

Bulgur Wheat or Quinoa – In keeping this super authentic to Jen’s recipe, I used bulgur wheat in my salad. However, bulgur wheat can be hard to come by, so I also offer up the option to use quinoa instead. Both are hearty, protein-rich, super nutritious grains. Never had bulgur wheat? It’s most similar to farro or barley, but smaller grain. Bulgur wheat has a nice nutty flavor, and will keep you full without feeling weighed down.

Garbanzo Beans/Chickpeas – What’s the difference between garbanzo beans and chickpeas? Literally nothing! They’re two names for the exact same thing. Jennifer Aniston called them “garbanzo beans,” but I call them “chickpeas,” so that’s what we’re sticking with. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, especially in this salad recipe!

Feta Cheese – Greek brined white cheese, made from sheep’s milk. Feta adds the perfect salty bite to this salad! And because it’s made with sheep’s milk, it has a lower lactose content. Meaning, those whoe are lactose intolerant (aka ME!), may have an easier time tolerating feta cheese. I, personally, can enjoy it in small amounts without any issue. However, if you can’t tolerate feta, or simply need a dairy-free option, check out my “make it vegan” section below!

Parsley and Mint – Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs! Fresh parsley and mint are my favorite parts of this salad. They add a super fresh and vibrant component to this recipe. Therefore, don’t leave ’em out!

The Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe (3)

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Yes, bulgur wheat contains gluten. Therefore, opt for quinoa instead of bulgur wheat to make this Jennifer Aniston salad entirely gluten-free.

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: For a vegan/dairy-free salad, either leave out the feta cheese, or replace it with your favorite vegan feta. I love the Violife Vegan Feta, it tastes and crumbles just like the real thing!

The Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe (4)

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

    The viral Jennifer Aniston salad is super easy to make! Loaded with fresh ingredients – cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta – all tossed in simple lemon dressing. It’s not just healthy, but totally delicious too!

    Ingredients

    • For the bulgur wheat/quinoa:
    • 1 cup bulgur wheat or quinoa, dry

    • 2 cups water or vegetable broth

    • For the salad dressing:
    • 1/2 cup olive oil

    • 1/2 cup lemon juice

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • For the salad:
    • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

    • 1 cup English cucumber, chopped

    • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

    • 1/2 red onion, diced

    • 1/2 cup roasted salted pistachios, roughly chopped

    • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

    • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

    Directions

    • Add either bulgur wheat or quinoa to a small saucepan, along with water or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 12-15 minutes. Once bulgur wheat or quinoa has absorbed all liquid, remove from heat and let stand covered for an additional 5 minutes. Then, remove lid and fluff with a fork.
    • While the bulgur wheat or quinoa cooks, make the salad dressing by adding all ingredients to a bowl and whisking to combine.
    • Add cooked bulgur wheat or quinoa to a large bowl, along with the remaining salad ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and toss, then either serve immediately or let chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

    Recipe Video

    Notes

    • Leaving the salad to chill for a few hours before eating will increase the flavor!
    • Leftover salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. No need to store the dressing separately.

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    The Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    The Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe? ›

    She did in fact, eat a cobb salad instead everyday consisting of chopped lettuce, chicken breast, turkey bacon, boiled egg, and so on with her co-star Lisa Kudrow.

    What is the Jennifer Aniston salad recipe? ›

    Ingredients
    1. 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock.
    2. 1 cup dry quinoa.
    3. 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
    4. 1 English cucumber, diced.
    5. 1/2 small red onion, minced.
    6. 1/2 packed cup fresh parsley, finely chopped.
    7. 1/2 loosely-packed cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped.
    8. 1/2 cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped.

    What is the salad Jennifer Aniston eats every day? ›

    She did in fact, eat a cobb salad instead everyday consisting of chopped lettuce, chicken breast, turkey bacon, boiled egg, and so on with her co-star Lisa Kudrow.

    What is the Jennifer Aniston salad on Tiktok? ›

    Add chilled quinoa to a large mixing bowl, then add chickpeas, chopped onion, chopped pepper, cucumbers, and fresh herbs. 3. Drizzle with dressing, then toss to combine. Top with pistachios and feta cheese.

    What does Jennifer Aniston's diet consist of? ›

    Jennifer's meals always include a protein and vegetables.

    "First I start off with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in water, room temperature water, which is fantastic for my gut." She also has coffee. When lunch comes around, she's hungry for something more substantial.

    Can you lose weight with Jennifer Aniston salad? ›

    Aniston's salad is low in calories, high in vitamins and nutrients, filling, and great for weight loss goals, according to Feder. "This salad recipe is very calorie friendly and is a complete meal," he says. "It contains healthy amounts of fats, and protein, and is low in carbohydrates.

    Does Jennifer Aniston eat bananas? ›

    Another one of Aniston's go-to breakfasts? A smoothie, which always includes some sort of pure protein, bananas, berries, and a mix of greens.

    What salad did Jennifer Aniston eat for 10 years? ›

    The actual salad that she ate for 10 years while Friends was being filmed was actually a doctored up Cobb salad with shredded lettuce, chicken, egg whites, a small amount of garbanzo beans or chickpeas, bacon and a basic vinaigrette.

    What is the Jennifer Aniston salad on Living Proof? ›

    This viral Jen Aniston salad, also known as the Rachel Salad, is made up of bulgur wheat, cucumber, chickpeas, red onion, fresh mint and parsley, pistachios, and feta cheese. The simple salad dressing recipe combines lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

    Is the Jennifer Aniston salad healthy? ›

    Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad (Famous Viral Recipe!)

    Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats … this lettuce-less salad is just as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for a healthy dinner, lunch, or meal prep!

    How long does Jennifer Aniston salad last in the fridge? ›

    Get Creative: Customize this Jennifer Aniston salad recipe and add or remove any ingredients your wish- swap the feta for your favorite dairy-free substitute to make this vegan! What is this? Storage: Salad can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 4 – 6 days.

    How many pounds does Jennifer Aniston weigh? ›

    Aniston shared, “My body doesn't love carbs. These days, if I was being super picky, I would love to drop 5 pounds. That is just where I have always been really comfortable at about 110 to 113 pounds.

    Was Jennifer Aniston told to lose weight? ›

    In a 1996 interview with Rolling Stone, Aniston said it was her agent who told her that she needed to slim down in order to make it in Hollywood. "My agent gave it to me straight," she said. "The disgusting thing of Hollywood [is] I wasn't getting lots of jobs 'cause I was too heavy."

    What does Jennifer Aniston put in her smoothie? ›

    Jen's favourite smoothie (and the one she's making here) is a blend of:
    1. 1 cup chocolate almond milk.
    2. 2 scoops of Vital Proteins Chocolate Collagen Peptides ⁣⁣
    3. Cherries and Banana 🍒🍌⁣⁣
    4. A few drops of Stevia ⁣⁣
    5. Antioxidants.
    6. 1 cup of ice⁣⁣
    7. Spinach.
    8. Pinch of cinnamon.
    Feb 28, 2023

    How healthy is Jennifer Aniston salad? ›

    Either way, after trying Jen's tabbouleh-inspired salad I can totally see why she (and the whole internet) is obsessed. It's not only delicious and packed with SO much flavor, but it also has the perfect amount of protein, smart carbs, healthy fats, and veggies – all the components of a good meal-sized salad.

    What did Jennifer Aniston eat every day on the set of Friends? ›

    '" The legend of Aniston's salad first spread in 2010, when her costar Courteney Cox mentioned it during an interview with the Los Angeles Times. "Jennifer and Lisa [Kudrow] and I ate lunch together every single day for 10 years. And we always had the same thing — a Cobb salad," Cox said.

    What did Jennifer Aniston eat in a day during Friends? ›

    "Jennifer and Lisa [Kudrow] and I ate lunch together every single day for 10 years. And we always had the same thing — a Cobb salad," Cox said. "But it wasn't really a Cobb salad. It was a Cobb salad that Jennifer doctored up with turkey bacon and garbanzo beans and I don't know what."

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