High Protein Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe
Introduction
This High Protein Jennifer Aniston Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish packed with quinoa, shredded chicken, and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a wholesome dinner, offering a great balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa (cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 15 oz can chickpeas (drained and extra shells removed)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh mint (chopped)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Set it aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, chopped cucumber, drained chickpeas, parsley, mint, diced red onion, crumbled feta, and shelled pistachios.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine evenly.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add roasted sweet potatoes or grilled tofu for extra protein.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- To add crunch, substitute pistachios with toasted almonds or walnuts.
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a milder taste.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness. Re-toss before serving and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely. Bulgur, couscous, or brown rice are good alternatives that work well with the flavors of this salad.
PrintHigh Protein Jennifer Aniston Salad Recipe
This High Protein Jennifer Aniston Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish featuring cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and a zesty lemon-mustard dressing. It’s a perfect balance of protein and fresh flavors, enhanced with herbs, feta cheese, and crunchy pistachios, making it an ideal healthy lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for cooking quinoa and chicken if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa (preferably cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and extra shells removed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (plus extra to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, chopped cucumber, drained chickpeas, fresh parsley, chopped mint, diced red onion, crumbled feta, and shelled pistachios. Stir the ingredients gently to evenly distribute them.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly but gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Season and Serve: Taste the salad and add additional salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill for a bit to meld flavors further before enjoying your healthy, high-protein salad.
Notes
- For added flavor, cooking the quinoa in chicken broth rather than water is recommended.
- Remove any chickpea skins if you prefer a smoother texture in the salad.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option for the shredded chicken component.
- This salad stores well in the refrigerator and can be prepared ahead of time for meal prep.
Keywords: high protein salad, quinoa salad, chicken salad, healthy lunch, Jennifer Aniston salad recipe, easy salad, no-cook salad
