The Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad

The Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad, also known as the “Jennifer Aniston Salad,” is a refreshing and zesty summer salad that went viral on TikTok. Although it is not the salad that Jennifer Aniston ate on the set of Friends, it is still worth trying as it is packed with vegan protein and fresh ingredients. This veganized version of the recipe is perfect for a healthy lunch or as a side dish at a BBQ or backyard event.

Ingredients & Substitutions: What Is In The Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad Recipe

This Jennifer Aniston Chickpea vegan summer salad features quinoa as the base, which can be substituted for bulgar. It’s then paired with the crunch of pistachios, though you can easily swap them out for other nuts such as slivered almonds or sunflower seeds for those with a tree-nut allergy.

Quinoa

The original recipe calls for bulgar, but I used quinoa. Either one works perfectly in this vegan summer salad. 

Pistachios

The pistachios can easily be substituted for another nut. Slivered or roasted almonds would complement this salad beautifully. Sunflower seeds can be used if you have a tree-nut allergy. 

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are the main ingredient in this salad and provide a great source of vegan protein. They can be used straight from the can or they can be cooked and cooled before adding to the salad.

Lemons

Fresh lemons are best. Lemon is the main ingredient that’s dressing this salad, so use fresh if possible. 

Red onion

Red onion is the perfect addition to this salad. If you don’t have it, use 1 bunch of green onions or scallions instead. Do not use white onion as it will be much too strong 

Olive oil

Sunflower oil or avocado oil would make a great substitute in place of extra virgin olive oil. Avocado – If you want some extra creaminess in this summer salad, try adding 1 or 2 diced-up avocados. I’ve tried it and it’s fantastic! 

Other Ingredients

Finally, crumbled vegan feta cheese is added to the salad to provide a creamy and tangy flavor. This is a great option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, as it provides the same texture and taste as traditional feta cheese without dairy.

Overall, the Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect for any meal or occasion. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors make this salad a winner in both taste and nutrition.

Helpful Tools

• Medium-sized serving bowl: This salad requires a medium-sized serving bowl to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly.
• Fork for fluffing the quinoa: A fork is needed to fluff the quinoa or bulgur once it’s cooked and cooled down.
• Airtight container for storing leftovers: If you’re making this salad ahead of time or have leftovers, an airtight container is perfect for storing it in the fridge. It helps to keep the salad fresh for up to 5 days.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife is useful for chopping the vegetables and herbs.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board is essential when chopping the vegetables and herbs.
• Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer can make it easier to juice the lemons for the dressing.

How To Make This Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad

Making the Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps.

To begin, cook 1 cup of quinoa or bulgur according to the package instructions. For an extra burst of flavor, you can use half vegetable broth and half water when cooking the grains. Once the grains are fully cooked, fluff them with a fork and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes.

In a medium serving bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, chopped cucumber, diced red onion, chopped parsley and mint, chopped pistachios, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and crumbled vegan feta cheese. Make sure to mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly so that the flavors are well-distributed.

If you’re making this salad ahead of time, it’s best to wait to add the pistachios and feta until just before serving. This will ensure that the nuts stay crunchy and the feta stays creamy.

Once you’ve mixed all of the ingredients together, you can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for bringing to work or school for lunch.

Overall, making the Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad is a simple and straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. With its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.

Tips & Tricks For This Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad

•  If you are making this salad ahead, add the pistachios and vegan feta when you are ready to serve. This will preserve the crunch of the pistachio, and ensure the vegan feta chunks don’t disappear into the salad. 
• Use half vegetable broth and half water for extra flavor when cooking the quinoa or bulgur. This will add some depth to the grain and make it more flavorful.
• To save time, consider cooking the quinoa or bulgur and chopping the vegetables ahead of time. This will make it easier to assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.