Description
A fresh, vibrant salad inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s viral recipe featuring cooked quinoa, chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This nutritious salad combines crunchy pistachios, sweet golden raisins, tangy feta, and a medley of Mediterranean flavors for a wholesome and satisfying meal in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped cucumber (English cucumber preferred)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup pistachios
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa, drained chickpeas, chopped cucumber, diced red onion, pistachios, crumbled feta, golden raisins, sliced kalamata olives, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and fresh chopped dill to a large salad bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: In a mason jar with a lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Shake vigorously to emulsify. Alternatively, whisk the dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator to serve later as a refreshing and vibrant dish.
Notes
- Use cooked quinoa that is cooled to room temperature before assembling the salad to prevent wilting fresh herbs.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the ingredients.
- Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup to keep the salad vegan-friendly.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your feta or olives are particularly salty.
- For added protein, you can include grilled chicken or shrimp if desired, though the salad is filling and protein-rich as is.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
