Jennifer Aniston Salad  (2024)

This famous Jennifer Aniston salad is my vegan version with a few additional tweaks to make it even healthier than the original version. Give this vegan Jennifer Aniston salad recipe a try to jump-start your vegan New Year!

My friend Kristy invited me for a girls' trip to her beautiful home in Fort Lauderdale By The Sea on the intercostal across from the beach. We've been friends forever, and she is the hostess with the mostest! Of course, she knows I'm vegan, and she bought all the ingredients for the famous Jennifer Aniston salad recipe, and separated it, so I could make my own modified vegan version. Let's just say I'm hooked! This is my new favorite salad.

What is Jennifer Aniston's Salad?

Although I am a huge Friends fan, I never remember Jennifer Aniston's character, Rachel, raving about this salad. Rachel didn't eat this salad at all. However, the actress Jennifer Aniston always eats this salad, thus coining it the famous Jennifer Aniston salad recipe. But, if you listen to Aniston explain its origin, it has changed drastically from when she ordered it on the set of Friends for lunch.

Vegan Jennifer Aniston Salad Ingredients

Since the original salad contains meat, cheese, and other non-vegan ingredients, I tweaked the recipe and loved it!

• Cooked Quinoa: I chose red quinoa, cooked it, and allowed it to cook completely before adding it to the salad.
• Cucumber: I prefer English cucumbers, and I remove the seeds to lesson the amount of water and moisture in the salad.
• Kale: I chose kale for added nutritional value. I chop in finely to make chewing and digesting easier.
• Pistachios: The pistachios add texture and a crunchy, salty ingredient to the Jennifer Aniston salad.
• Tofu Feta: I make my own tofu feta cheese, adding protein and another flavor level.
• Avocados: The avocado adds a creaminess, but I suggest adding it right before serving to avoid it turning brown.
• Parsley: Parsley adds freshness and enhances the flavors in the salad.
• Mint: Fresh mint adds freshness.
• Red Onion: Red onion is sharp yet perfect for this salad with selected ingredients.
• Chickpeas: Chickpeas add texture, protein, and another level of healthy goodness.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Red Wine vinegar is light and flavorful.
• Maple Juice: When the maple syrup, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice combine, it creates a delicious, clean dressing for the salad.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: I prefer fresh lemon juice whenever possible.

Jennifer Aniston Salad Ingredient Substitutions

• Choose any color quinoa or another grain, such as barley or bulgar, as a substitution.
• Persian cucumbers are similar to English cucumbers. Or, I love baby cucumbers sliced in this salad as well.
• If not using kale, try a hearty green such as collard greens, or cabbage.
• Add your favorite nuts instead of pistachios.
• Cut the amount in half when using dry herbs instead of fresh herbs because dry herbs are more potent than fresh.
• Vegan feta cheese is available in many stores such as Follow Your Heart or Violife brands, or skip it.
• Often, artichokes are used in place of avocados.
• Try green onions instead of red onions for a less onion presence.
• White beans are an excellent substitute for chickpeas.
• Balsamic vinegar is a substitute for red wine vinegar.
• Agave nectar or date syrup replaces maple syrup in recipes.
• Use bottled lemon juice when fresh juice isn't available.

How to Make the Salad

• Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
• Allow to cool completely before adding to the salad.
• Spread the cooked quinoa onto a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator to expedite this.
• In a small measure cup, whisk the red wine vinegar, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
• Set aside.
• Remove the stems from the kale, and using a sharp knife, finely chop the kale.
• Add the chopped kale to the base of a large bowl.
• Add the remaining ingredients, including the cool quinoa, except for the avocado and pistachios.
• I add the avocado and pistachios to each salad before serving so the avocado doesn't turn brown, and the nuts stay crunchy.
• This salad lasts all week in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

• We ate this salad all week for lunch, and it packs well for lunch or a trip to the beach.
• Instead of tofu feta cheese, try adding marinated grilled tofu for dinner.
• Or, for another protein option, add grilled tempeh or tempeh bacon.
• Another one of my favorite ways to enjoy this salad is topped with vegan bacon bits.

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• Cook the quinoa first, so it has time to cool before adding it to the salad.
• To cool quinoa quickly, spread it on a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
• Do not add the avocado or pistachios until serving.
• Cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

Try this vegan Jennifer Aniston salad recipe to start the New Year healthy!

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