Description
Refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Jennifer Aniston Salad combines crisp quinoa, herbs, and feta for a light, protein-packed lunch. Hollywood glamour meets wholesome ingredients in this quick, delightful dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat (or quinoa)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup chickpeas
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
Nuts and Dressing:
- 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Simmer bulgur or quinoa according to package guidelines, ensuring grains are tender and fluffy. Allow to completely cool to room temperature.
- Finely dice cucumber and red onion into uniform, small pieces. Delicately chop fresh parsley and mint leaves for maximum flavor distribution.
- Transfer cooled grains into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a foundation for the salad’s texture and taste profile.
- Incorporate diced cucumber, red onion, chopped herbs, crunchy pistachios, and protein-rich chickpeas into the grain mixture.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice across the salad. Gently toss ingredients to ensure even coating and harmonious flavor blend.
- Carefully crumble tangy feta cheese over the salad, allowing delicate cheese fragments to settle naturally throughout the mixture.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant, nutritious meal.
Notes
- Toast the nuts lightly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Swap quinoa for bulgur to make the dish gluten-free and boost protein content for a more nutritious meal.
- Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove any metallic taste before adding to the salad.
- Marinate red onions in lemon juice for 10 minutes to soften their sharp bite and mellow the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg