Inspired by the famous Jennifer Aniston salad myth, this bulgur-based salad is a great combination of taste and wellness. It’s not the exact salad Jennifer ate, but somehow it’s gone viral as “her salad”… thanks to modern day social media. We make Tabbouleh all the time for our Shawarmas and Gyros. It’s a great Middle Eastern salad with a herby tones. So we were tickled to try the new additions like pistachios, feta and chickpeas to this Jen approved take on tabbouleh. I’ve made it several times, and think that it works really, really well, and is worth all the hype it’s gotten over last year or so.
So What is Jennifer Aniston Salad and All the Hype?
Well, it’s rumored that, back in her ‘Friends’ days, Jennifer Aniston ate this salad every day of for 10 years while she was on set. Her co-star, Courtney Cox, shared in interviews that Aniston ate the same salad every day while filming the show, which aired from 1994 to 2004. But that’s not the bulgur based salad!!! The true salad that she ate on set consisted of shredded lettuce, chicken, egg whites, chickpeas, bacon, and a basic vinaigrette, she explained. Occasionally, Aniston would add pecorino cheese from a nearby Italian restaurant to top off the Cobb-style salad. The bulgur salad with herbs, chickpeas, feta and pistachios is the one she shared while doing an Instagram takeover for the Living Proof brand, saying it was her “perfect salad”. Thanks to social media and lots of food enthusiasts, in no time this bulgur based salad started going viral as “Jennifer Aniston Salad”, which she supposedly ate for 10 years… 🙂 Whatever the hype and how it became famous, I are glad to say I tried it, and approve of it big time!
The Ingredients
Bulgur Wheat – This is the base of the dish. You can sub bulgur wheat with quinoa or farro if that’s what’s available. Cucumbers – I use English cucumbers, or the ones with less seeds. Red Onion – Sorry, husband, but you’re good at picking it out. Parsley and Mint – These fresh herbs are a must. Chickpeas – I love canned GOYA chickpeas. Pistachios – Roasted and salted. Feta Cheese – I always crumble my own feta from blocks, because the pre-crumbled stuff seems a bit chalky. Dressing – A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe
Here’s how you can make this super simple Jennifer Aniston-Inspired Bulgur Salad at home.
- Cook the Bulgur Wheat: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup bulgur wheat and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender. Drain any excess water and let it cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the bulgur is cooling, dice the cucumber, chop the parsley and mint, and dice the red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled bulgur wheat, cucumber, parsley, mint, red onion, chickpeas, feta cheese, and pistachios.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, tossing well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Personally, I like to chill it for at least 30 minutes, but it’s great any way!
Possible Variations
Different Grains: Swap bulgur with quinoa, couscous, farrow or brown rice for a different texture and flavor. More Veggies: Include bell peppers, radishes, carrots, cherry tomatoes, corn, edamame, green peas, or avocado to customize your salad. Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or salmon to turn the salad into a more substantial meal. Add Fruits: Sliced grapes, diced apples, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds add a nice sweet touch. Play with Nuts: Instead of pistachios, try almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
What to Serve With Jennifer Aniston Salad
Jen salad is great on its own as a lunch or light meatless dinner idea. That being said, we also enjoy it as a side dish. It’s great with grilled meats like Grilled Chicken Thighs, Shish Kabob and Chicken Souvlaki. We love it alongside a variety of fish mains like Baked Sockeye Salmon, Fried Catfish, Salmon Burgers or Mediterranean Fish. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jennifer Aniston, or just someone who appreciates wholesome, delicious food, this salad is something special. Inspired by an icon and infused with flavors, it has become one of my favorite make-ahead salads for a lunch or snack, and I hope it becomes one of yours! Check out our collection of favorite Salad Recipes, and subscribe to GypsyPlate for more fun recipes.
Jennifer Aniston Salad, in our Gypsy Bowl… enjoy!
