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This High Protein Jennifer Aniston Salad is everything you want in a meal prep lunch: light, fresh, and loaded with nourishing ingredients that keep you full. Unlike the original bulgur-based version, this one uses quinoa and chicken to boost protein and keep it gluten-free.
What Is the Jennifer Aniston Salad?
The Jennifer Aniston Salad is a fresh, crunchy mix of quinoa (or bulgur), chicken, chickpeas, cucumber, herbs, and feta with a lemony dressing- and reportedly eaten daily by Jennifer Aniston on the set of Friends.
Inspired by the viral salad that took social media by storm, this high-protein version is gluten-free and perfect for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You know those recipes that feel like instant staples? This is one of them. I started making this salad after seeing the viral Jennifer Aniston version, and immediately knew I wanted to give it a Mary’s Whole Life spin. It's quick to pull together, holds up beautifully in the fridge, and is totally customizable.
I've made dozens of versions of this salad over the years, but this one nails the flavor, texture, and meal prep potential I always come back to.
One of the best parts? It's packed with healthy fats from olive oil and pistachios, a bright hit of lemon, and crunchy, fresh ingredients like crisp cucumber and red onion. Whether you're prepping for the week or just need something clean and energizing, this might just be your new favorite salad.
If you're looking for more high protein, easy lunches, try my Cottage Cheese Taco Bowl or this High Protein Buffalo Tuna Salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Quinoa: I like cooking it in chicken broth for extra flavor. It's gluten-free and protein-rich - a great substitute for bulgur.
- Chicken breast: I use rotisserie to save time, but grilled or baked chicken works too.
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): Add fiber, protein, and that nice crunch when chilled.
- Cucumber: Persian cucumbers work best for their crunch and low moisture.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and mint bring brightness - don't skip these! You could also add fresh dill if you like.
- Red onion: Adds sharpness and color. Dice it small for balance.
- Feta cheese: Crumbly, creamy feta makes it feel indulgent. Swap with goat cheese or omit for dairy-free.
- Pistachios: For crunch and flavor. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great nut-free alternatives.
- Simple lemon dressing: Made with olive oil, lemon juice, dijon, garlic, and a touch of maple syrup. It's light, zippy, and ties it all together.
How to Make This Jennifer Aniston Salad
Step 1: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine quinoa, shredded chicken, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, feta, and pistachios.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Cook the quinoa in broth, not water, for depth of flavor.
- Let the salad sit 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow the herbs to bloom.
- Add lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
- This salad is perfect as a standalone lunch or as a side with grilled meat.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge - it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can leave out the chicken or swap in tofu or additional chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Absolutely. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate if you prefer to mix it fresh each day.
You can - bulgur was in the original recipe. But quinoa makes this gluten-free and even higher in protein.
Try sun-dried tomatoes, craisins, goat cheese instead of feta, or swap in shrimp instead of chicken. It's a very flexible base!
This high-protein Jennifer Aniston Salad is clean, colorful, and satisfying - everything a delicious salad should be. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want a light lunch that still fills you up, this one checks all the boxes. If you try it, be sure to leave a comment or share your take on social media!
Check out my Viral Cottage Cheese Taco Bowl for another high-protein lunch idea.
More High-Protein Salad Recipes You'll Love
High Protein Jennifer Aniston Salad (Meal Prep Friendly!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, I like to cook it in chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor!
- 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken, I used rotisserie
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and extra shells removed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- ½ cup shelled pistachios
Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Set side.
- Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl and mix.
- Pour the dressing over top and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the quinoa in broth, not water, for depth of flavor.
- Let the salad sit 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow the herbs to bloom.
- Add lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
- This salad is perfect as a standalone lunch or as a side with grilled meat.
- This can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days – perfect for meal prep!
- Fun additions: Sun-dried tomatoes, craisins, goat cheese instead of feta, or shrimp instead of chicken.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
Does it make the salad soggy if you add the dressing and eat it for a few days afterwards? Or should I keep the dressing separately and add it only when I’m about to eat it?
Super yummy and really easy to make!!
I’m obsessed! I’ve made this for lunch the past 4 weeks. So good.
Thanks Christine!!
The perfect summer salad! Prep takes a bit of time but so worth it!
This recipe was easy to make and delicious!~ Thank You So much for helping me prepare protein lunches that are both delicious and easy to make.
This was delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!