If you’ve been anywhere near social media over the last couple of years, you’ve seen the Jennifer Aniston Salad pop up again and again. It’s colorful and crunchy. It’s the kind of salad people proudly meal-prep and show off like a badge of honor. And yes—there’s a reason it went viral. It’s packed with fresh herbs, crisp veggies, plant-based protein, and that irresistible Mediterranean energy that never gets old.

But today, we’re leveling up the Jennifer Aniston Salad in a very California way.

We’re swapping the quinoa in the original recipe for something that’s not only more flavorful and more satisfying—but also grown right here in the Golden State: California Wild Rice.

And trust me, this tiny shift completely transforms the dish.

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Why Wild Rice Makes This Salad Better

Here’s the deal. Quinoa is great. We love quinoa! But California Wild Rice brings a nutty aroma, a hearty chew, and a depth of flavor that makes every bite taste incredible. And according to the FDA, it is a whole grain, and research by the International Food Information Council shows people are actively seeking whole grains for more energy, better digestion, cardiovascular support—you name it.

So if you’re already building a salad loaded with fresh herbs, bright citrus, crunchy pistachios, and protein-rich chickpeas, using a whole grain that’s naturally gluten-free, shelf-stable, and grown by Northern California farmers just makes sense – especially when it tastes this good.

And here’s something most people don’t realize:

So when you use California Wild Rice in the Jennifer Aniston Salad, you’re not just improving the recipe—you’re supporting a legacy.

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Let’s Talk Nutrition—Because This Grain Works Hard

If you’re someone who likes meals that do more than fill you up, you’re going to love this.

One cooked serving of California Wild Rice (that’s ¾ cup) contains:

• 160 calories
• 7 grams of protein (the same amount as a whole egg!)
• Dietary fiber
• Zero fat
• Zero cholesterol
• Zero sodium

Let me pause on the protein for a second.

Seven grams. From a grain. That’s huge—especially for plant-forward eaters.

Wild rice is also naturally gluten-free and fits into pretty much every dietary pattern you can think of: Mediterranean, MIND, paleo, gluten-free, plant-based, vegetarian, vegan… the list goes on.

And research supports its role in promoting heart health—specifically its ability to help reduce LDL, the “bad” cholesterol. This salad? It’s basically delicious self-care.

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Cooking California Wild Rice Is Easier Than You Think

If you’ve never cooked it before, here’s the truth: wild rice takes longer to cook than white or brown rice. But you’re rewarded with grains that pop open, triple in size, and add the best texture to salads.

The general rule?

One cup of rice + three cups of water = perfectly cooked wild rice.

Simmer it for about 45 minutes. If you want to speed things up, soak it for 2–3 hours beforehand. Once cooked, it’s ready for anything—soups, casseroles, stuffings, grain bowls, and of course, this upgraded Jennifer Aniston Salad.

Another perk?

It’s shelf-stable, meaning you can keep a bag in your pantry year-round. Pull it out anytime you want a whole-grain boost.

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CA GROWN Ingredients That Make This Salad Shine

Because we’re living the dream in the Golden State, we’re taking full advantage of all the CA GROWN goodness at our fingertips.

This salad also pairs beautifully with:

• California Apples
• California Walnuts
• California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• California Ripe Olives

The version we’re sharing today uses pistachios, herbs, chickpeas, cucumber, feta, and plenty of bright lemon—plus a foundation of fluffy, nutty California Wild Rice. If you want to add even more creaminess, go ahead and fold in some chopped avocado – grown right here in the Golden State.

Once the wild rice is cooked and cooled, you toss everything together and let the flavors mingle. It’s simple. It’s satisfying. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days, making it perfect for meal prep.

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Why This CA GROWN Upgrade Works

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel good from the inside out.

You’re taking a popular dish people already love—one with veggies, herbs, plant-based protein, and bright citrus—and elevating it with a CA GROWN whole grain packed with flavor, nutrition, and history.

Wild rice doesn’t disappear into the salad the way quinoa sometimes can. It stands out. It adds structure. Plus, it gives you that “wow, this hits” moment with every bite.

Jennifer Aniston may not have grown up eating wild rice from Shasta County paddies, but if she tried this version, we’re pretty sure she’d approve.

NEED A PLAYLIST FOR YOUR NEXT SALAD-MAKING SESH? CHECK OUT THIS CA GROWN SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:

Craving more delicious dishes? Check out our Pinterest for more CA GROWN recipes and ideas for innovative ways to use ingredients from the Golden State in your kitchen.

Do you have a favorite wild-rice recipe we should try? Snap a pic and tag us with #CAGROWN—we’d love to see what you’re cooking up.

More Recipes Using CA GROWN Wild Rice We Think You’ll Love