This Jennifer Aniston Salad is a fresh, flavorful addition to any meal-prep routine. Loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a lemon-honey dressing, it’s no wonder this has become a favorite. Not only is it gluten-free, but it also brings a Mediterranean flair that’s light yet satisfying. If you’re looking for a healthy, filling meal inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s viral recipe, this is the perfect salad to make.

What is the Jennifer Aniston Salad?
This delicious, protein-packed salad became famous after Jennifer Aniston herself shared it as her favorite go-to salad. Originally, the recipe featured bulgur wheat, a grain used in traditional Mediterranean dishes like this Tabbouleh recipe.
In this variation, we’re using quinoa for a gluten-free option, but bulgur works wonderfully here too. The combination of ingredients—crisp cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and chickpeas—creates a well-balanced, hearty salad that’s ideal for meal prep and keeps well throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ve been hearing all about this Jennifer Aniston Salad and finally had to try it myself! Recently, I’ve been making more of an effort to add salads into my daily meals, and this one checks all the boxes. Full of fresh ingredients and super easy to throw together. It’s also:
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad holds up wonderfully and can be prepped ahead, making it ideal for healthy lunches or busy weeknight meals.
- Customizable and Nutritious: It’s full of plant-based protein and healthy fats. Plus, you can easily swap ingredients to fit your tastes and preferences.
The lemon-honey dressing ties everything together beautifully, complementing all those fresh flavors. If you’re prepping it in advance, I’d recommend starting with just half the dressing and then adding the rest right before serving to keep the salad from soaking it all up. Enjoy!
I really love quinoa in salads, and this recipe is no exception. Some of my other favorite quinoa salads include Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad, Apple Kale Quinoa Salad, Greek Quinoa Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Tomato Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad and this Tropical Kale Quinoa Salad.
Ingredient Notes

Salad Ingredients
- Vegetable broth or chicken broth: Our savory base to cook the quinoa in!
- Quinoa (or bulgur wheat): A hearty grain that makes the salad filling. See substitutions below for other options.
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): A great source of plant-based protein and a creamy texture.
- Red onion: Brings a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness.
- English cucumber: Nothing beats refreshing and crisp cucumber!
- Fresh mint leaves: I love brightening up a salad with fresh herbs.
- Fresh parsley: Adds that classic, herbaceous note.
- Fresh dill: Earthy and slightly sweet–who doesn’t love dill?!
- Roasted, salted pistachios: A bit of salty, crunchy richness.
- Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and salty– delicious.
- Salt and black pepper: Just to taste, bringing out the best in every ingredient.
For the Dressing
- Extra virgin olive oil: The perfect base for a Mediterranean-inspired dressing.
- Lemons (juice and zest): Adds brightness, acidity, and just a bit of zest.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the lemon’s tang and the saltiness of the feta.
- Optional sumac or za’atar: These spices add a unique, earthy depth and a hint of Middle Eastern flavor that makes the dressing extra special.
Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Quinoa
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, add the water and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Step 2: Rinse the quinoa, then add it to the boiling broth.
Step 3: Turn the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool. Once the quinoa is cool, cover it and chill in the refrigerator.
Assemble the Salad

Step 5: Add the chickpeas, red onion, cucumbers, mint, parsley, dill, pistachios, and feta cheese to the quinoa. Mix well.
Make the Dressing and Serve
Step 6: In a salad dressing container or mason jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the optional sumac or za’atar if desired, and shake or stir until well-mixed.
Step 7: Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss well. Taste and add more dressing if needed. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Recipe Variations & Modifications
- Beans: You can swap out chickpeas for black beans, white beans, or red beans for a different flavor and texture.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other fresh veggies like carrots, green onion, radishes, celery, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado.
- Grains: Try bulgur, farro, or brown rice instead of quinoa if you prefer different grains.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or cilantro can be added for an additional herbaceous note.
- Spices: Sumac and za’atar add Middle Eastern flair, but you can also try cumin, paprika, or red pepper flakes for added spice.
- Protein: For more protein, add grilled chicken breast, salmon, or shrimp.
- Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries, apricots, raisins, or pomegranate seeds for a hint of sweetness.
- Nuts & Seeds: Try sliced almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for additional crunch.
- Other Additions: Ingredients like lentils, goat cheese, artichokes, roasted red peppers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes would work well in this salad.
Recipe Tips
- Dressing: If not serving immediately, add only half the dressing and keep the rest to toss in before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents sogginess.
- Nut Substitutes: Pistachios can be swapped with sliced almonds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, or walnuts.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the feta cheese or substitute it with crumbled goat cheese for a slightly tangy, creamy alternative. You can also try a vegan feta alternative.

Serving Suggestions
Pair this salad with main dishes like Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup, Air Fryer Cod, or Lebanese Lentil Soup. This salad also makes a great side dish for Mediterranean-inspired meals like Greek Lemon Chicken, Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs, and Greek Marinated Chicken with Tzatziki.
Recipe FAQs
The recipe gained popularity after Jennifer Aniston shared it as her favorite salad. Her original recipe included bulgur, but various adaptations have emerged, often using quinoa for a gluten-free version. The viral salad recipe became iconic for its refreshing flavors and simple steps.
When stored in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for up to four days, making it ideal for meal prep.
Yes! Simply omit the feta or substitute with a dairy-free alternative like crumbled goat cheese or a plant-based feta.
The calorie content of the Jennifer Aniston Salad can vary based on the ingredients you use. Generally, with ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, vegetables, feta cheese, and olive oil, a serving may contain approximately 300-400 calories. Adjusting the amount of dressing, cheese, or nuts can help tailor it to your calorie needs.
Yes, Jennifer Aniston famously mentioned enjoying a version of this salad daily on the set of Friends. It became known as her go-to lunch, inspiring fans to recreate and share their own takes on the recipe.
Absolutely! This salad is packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats from the quinoa, chickpeas, and pistachios. This Jennifer Aniston Salad is a delicious, customizable, and nutrient-packed recipe that’s perfect for weekday lunches, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. Give it a try and make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired goodness in every bite!

More Delicious Salad Recipes
Looking for more salad inspiration? Try these other flavorful options:
- Lemon Arugula Salad
- Mediterranean White Bean Salad
- Persian Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Greek Chickpea Salad
- Mediterranean Farro Salad
This salad is a delicious, customizable, and nutrient-packed recipe that’s perfect for weekday lunches, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. Give it a try and make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired goodness in every bite!
If you try it, please leave me a star rating and comment below, and follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon for more delicious recipes!

Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup dry quinoa {or bulgur wheat}
- 1 -1 5 ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 large english cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 packed cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoon dill, minced
- 1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- salt and pepper, to taste
FOR THE DRESSING
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced + zest of 1/2 the lemon
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- salt & pepper to taste
- optional: 1 teaspoon sumar or za’atar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan add the water, vegetable broth or chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Rinse the quinoa and then add it to the boiling broth or water.
- Turn the heat to low, place a lid on the pot and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, for about 10- 15 minutes.
- Use a fork to fluff the cooked quinoa and add to a large mixing bowl to cool.
- Once the quinoa is cool cover the quinoa and chil in the refrigerator.
- Add the chickpeas, red onion, cucumbers, mint, parsley, dill, pistachios and feta cheese and mix well.
- In a salad dressing container or mason jar add the olive oil, lemon juice, honey and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste and the optional sumac or za'atar.
- Pour half of the dressing over the salad and mix well. Tatse and add more dressing to your liking.
- Serve or store in an air tight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- If you aren’t serving the salad right away I suggest just adding half of the dressing and saving the remaining dressing when you serve the salad.
- You can sub the pistachios with sliced almonds, pine nuts, sesame seeds or walnuts.
- You can leave the feta cheese out or use goat cheese.
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