Re-sharing the real Jennifer Aniston 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
Jennifer
Wednesday 30th of July 2025
My whole family dug right into this, after I was hesitant to present this salad as dinner. I didn’t have parsley so I minced up kale. I added chicken to add protein; I used quinoa, and pickled red onions. This is so adaptable and completely delicious!
Catherine
Sunday 29th of June 2025
Wow…that’s a lot of carbs. Any ideas regarding lowering the carb content? I realize this isn’t rocket science…just looking for suggestions. TIA!
Amber Durand
Thursday 26th of June 2025
This is missing the layer of custard and beef sautéed with peas and onion…
Kaye
Thursday 26th of June 2025
@Amber Durand, a little sarcasm too.
Sarah
Thursday 3rd of October 2024
Just made this with farro (my favorite grain of all time.) I think I'll let the farro cool fully before adding it next time, just for a more refreshing presentation. Also might add some chopped cherry tomatoes for a tiny bit of tang over what the lemon juice brings.
I also love cilantro, so will try a variation with this as some point, likely instead of the mint. Parsley adds something essential to Mediterranean cuisine I don't think another herb can replace.
Would not add salt or pepper until you add the feta, as it is quite salty by itself. Avocado would just make it mushy. If dairy free, could see using a TBS of nutritional yeast for that zing.
For an added protein kick or if serving to a bunch of people, can toss in some lemon herb grilled chicken.
Thanks for the recipe! So many potential variations to this :)
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.