Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Jennifer Aniston Salad is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together for a satisfying, well-balanced meal. The quinoa offers a wonderful base, providing plant-based protein, while the chickpeas and pistachios add a great crunch and extra texture. The lemon dressing ties everything together, infusing the salad with a zesty, tangy kick that’s both refreshing and flavorful. Plus, it’s completely customizable and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient dish to prep for busy days or meal planning.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

• 1 cup dry quinoa

• 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 English cucumber, chopped

• 1/2 small red onion, minced

• 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup loosely-packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Dressing:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tablespoon honey

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Lemon Dressing:

1. Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or a small bowl.

2. Shake the jar or whisk the ingredients together until fully combined. Set aside.

For the Salad:

1. Add the chicken or vegetable stock to a small saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil.

2. Add the quinoa, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the stock is absorbed.

3. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl or storage container to cool. Refrigerate until chilled (you can prepare this ahead of time).

4. Once the quinoa is chilled, add the chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, pistachios, and feta cheese to the quinoa.

5. Drizzle with the lemon dressing to taste, toss to combine, and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegan version: Skip the feta cheese to make the salad completely vegan. You can substitute with vegan cheese or simply enjoy it without any dairy.

• Add more protein: If you’d like to make this salad more filling, add grilled chicken, tofu, or even roasted vegetables for a heartier dish.

• Other nuts: While pistachios add a unique flavor and texture, you can swap them for other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews.

• More veggies: Add additional veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, or avocados for extra freshness and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The quinoa and veggies will remain fresh, but the salad may soften slightly as it sits.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can serve it slightly warmed, but be careful not to overheat the ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I make the quinoa ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best to cook the quinoa a day or two ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

2. Is the Jennifer Aniston Salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your quinoa is certified gluten-free.

3. Can I use a different type of grain besides quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with other grains like farro, bulgur, or couscous, depending on your preference.

4. How long will the lemon dressing last?

The lemon dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great addition to other salads or dishes.

5. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quinoa and salad ingredients ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

6. Is this salad suitable for a meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

7. Can I make the salad spicy?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing, or top with some spicy jalapeños.

8. What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan alternative, you can substitute crumbled tofu, cashew cheese, or even a dairy-free feta cheese.

9. Can I add dried fruit to the salad?

Yes, you can add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots to give the salad a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

10. Is there a nut-free version of this salad?

To make the salad nut-free, simply omit the pistachios and add some crunchy seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, instead.

Conclusion

The Jennifer Aniston Salad is a refreshing, light, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and versatile enough to suit a variety of dietary preferences. With a base of quinoa, chickpeas, fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients. Whether you enjoy it as a lunch, dinner, or a meal prep option, this salad is a great way to add plant-based protein and healthy fats into your diet. The zesty lemon dressing ties everything together, making it a perfect balance of freshness and flavor!

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