This Brown Rice Salad is my take on the viral Jennifer Aniston salad, and one I've been making for years as a meal prep lunch. Made with brown rice, chickpeas, spinach, cucumber, bacon bits, pistachios, and feta, all tossed in a zingy garlic herb vinaigrette.
Why You'll Love this Brown Rice Salad:
- Meal Prep Friendly: Holds up well in the fridge for 2–3 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
- Filling & Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full and energized.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with whole food ingredients and no gluten-containing grains.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- Brown Rice: Filling fiber-rich base with a mild nutty flavor and texture.
- Chickpeas: Adds plant-based protein and creaminess.
- Cucumber & Spinach: Fresh, crisp greens for balance.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy, & creamy.
- Pistachios: Crunchy, slightly sweet, and full of healthy fats.
- Bacon Bits: Totally optional, but adds a savory smokiness.
- Garlic & Herb Dressing: A zesty but balanced blend of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, and herbs.
Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:
- Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free, just double-check labels on canned chickpeas, bacon, and mustard to ensure no hidden gluten.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative like Violife's Just Like Feta.
- Vegetarian: Leave out the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon bits.
- Vegan: Skip both the bacon and feta, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave in the dressing.
- Nut-Free: Replace pistachios with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts.
- Low-Carb: Substitute brown rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb version.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Protein: Stir in canned tuna, grilled chicken, or chopped hard-boiled eggs for a more filling meal.
- Mediterranean Style: Add sliced olives and chopped roasted red peppers.
- Swap the Greens: Try chopped kale, arugula, or romaine instead of spinach.
- No Rice? You can use quinoa, farro, or couscous as a base instead.
Tips for Success:
- Cool the Rice First: Let the brown rice cool completely before mixing with spinach and other ingredients. Warm rice can wilt the greens.
- Taste and Adjust Dressing: Always taste your dressing before adding. Adjust vinegar, honey, or seasoning to suit your taste.
Make Ahead & Storage:
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep. Prep all components up to 2 days in advance and store salad and dressing separately. Dress and combine just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If already dressed, the spinach may soften slightly but it will still taste great.
FAQs:
The Jennifer Aniston salad typically includes brown rice, spinach, chickpeas, cucumbers, feta cheese, nuts, and a flavorful vinaigrette, similar but not quite this recipe.
Cooked brown rice can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Yes, brown rice is primarily a carbohydrate but is also a good source of fiber and nutrients.
Rinsing brown rice before cooking removes excess starch and any debris.
Brown rice is whole grain with the bran and germ intact, making it more nutritious and higher in fiber than white rice, which has those layers removed.
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