Re-sharing the Jennifer Aniston Friends Salad — the viral salad that Jennifer Aniston ate every day, for 10 years while on-set of the Friends show (allegedly)! Regardless, it’s so good.
The salad has apparently been adapted over the years but the viral recipe includes a high protein combination of grains, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, chopped pistachios, crumbled feta cheese, garbanzo beans, fresh herbs (fresh mint, fresh parsley), lemon juice, and fresh veggies.
Anyway, it is SO GOOD I could definitely eat it every day for 10 years too…
Oh, and my kids ate it (although they picked our every pistachio)! The only adaption I made to the recipe was swapping out cooked bulgur wheat for our favorite Seeds of Change Quinoa + Brown Rice (also available at Walmart). This shortcut takes 90 seconds to cook in the microwave which makes this salad a breeze to throw together in a large bowl.
The Jennifer Aniston Friends Salad
This salad recipe is easy to meal prep and serves 4 generously, but I was able to squeeze out leftovers for two lunches too. IF you are planning to make this for the week, do not add the cucumber or the pistachios until you are ready to eat it! Those two ingredients got mushy on me by day 3.
The Jennifer Aniston Friends Salad
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups cooked bulgur wheat (I used Seeds of Change Brown Rice + Quinoa)
- 2-3 chopped small cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped mint
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 (15oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (can also baked in the oven or air fried for some extra crunch)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl!
Notes
This salad serves 4 generously, but I was able to also squeeze out leftovers for two lunches too. IF you are planning to make this for the week, do not add the cucumber or the pistachios until you are ready to eat it! Those two ingredients got mushy on me by day 3.
Also, a HUGE thanks to Bonny for posting the nutrition info for the Jennifer Aniston Salad in the comments.
Recipe originally published in February 2022. Post updated in March 2024 with a few gentle tweaks. The original recipe remains the same.
his salad serves 4 generously, but I was able to also squeeze out leftovers for two lunches too. IF you are planning to make this for the week, do not add the cucumber or the pistachios until you are ready to eat it! Those two ingredients got mushy on me by day 3.
Yes, but some types of beans lose their shape pretty quickly, so I would only use a different bean if I’m not planning for leftovers.
Yes! I think basil or cilantro would be delicious!
One of my readers recommended making this salad with pepitas (which can be roasted as well). They have a similar color and crunch sensation.
Other Salads You May Love
- The Best Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
- The Ultimate Summer Salad
- Mexican Chopped Salad (Dairy-Free)
- Easy Black Bean Taco Salad (Dairy-Free & Vegan)
- Nicoise Salad (Vegan, Dairy-Free)
- Summer Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing | Kid Friendly!
- Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad
- Kale & Brussels Sprout Salad
Cathy
Saturday 2nd of March 2024
I’ve made this salad so many times. I absolutely love it. The tip regarding leaving the cucumbers and pistachios out was very helpful. Of course I didn’t read that until the second time I made it .nonetheless it’s delicious. It’s just a great basic salad. There’s so many things you can change up if you want. thank you so much for sharing this.
Elle
Tuesday 12th of December 2023
Jennifer never ate this salad. She ate lettuce, chicken, boiled egg whites, bacon, and a few garbanzo beans and a basic vinaigrette. https://pagesix.com/2022/06/18/jennifer-aniston-never-ate-viral-jennifer-aniston-salad/
Nice salad for people who like this sort of stuff (Jennifer said she doesn't), but you're perpetuating a lie.
Kaye
Tuesday 12th of December 2023
@Elle, Not sure she’s perpetuating a lie since it was posted YEARS ago…it’s gone into web land and she can’t just remove it.
And…it is very good as I do like this sort of stuff.
Cathy
Monday 22nd of May 2023
I have made this salad dozens of times and every time it is a hit! I add the pistachios last as a garnish on top! Love it,love it,love it!!!
Julie
Tuesday 8th of November 2022
Made this today for my lunches for the rest of the week (adding cucumber and nuts separately, as mentioned). It’s so good and filling! Thank you for sharing!
Jaylene
Tuesday 18th of October 2022
Sounds tasty, thanks for sharing!