Jennifer Garner’s Big Salad Recipe: Perfect for Sharing in Big Serving Bowls

Jennifer Garner, known for her healthy lifestyle and relatable approach to wellness, recently shared her go-to salad recipe, inspired by the iconic “Big Salad” from Seinfeld. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a hearty, nutrient-packed meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. We’ve taken Jennifer’s inspiration and, with a nutritionist’s touch, elevated it to be even more nourishing and delicious. And to truly enjoy this generous and vibrant salad, you’ll need a big serving bowl to bring it all together.

Jennifer Garner enjoying her big salad from a wooden serving bowl

This salad is all about abundance and flavor. Jennifer mentioned wanting a “hearty veggie” base, which immediately led us to cauliflower. Roasting the cauliflower alongside sweet potatoes, which were already planned for the recipe, adds a depth of flavor and satisfying texture. To make it a complete meal, we incorporated lentils, a fantastic source of plant-based protein, ensuring this salad keeps you full and energized. The addition of fresh dill elevates the entire dish, providing a bright, herbaceous note that complements the roasted vegetables and earthy lentils.

Jennifer didn’t specify a dressing, so we opted for a classic and versatile balsamic vinaigrette with Dijon mustard. This simple dressing is tangy, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the variety of ingredients in the salad. It’s the kind of dressing that ties everything together without overpowering the natural tastes of the vegetables and lentils.

Elaine from Seinfeld's Big Salad inspiration displayed, highlighting the need for a large bowl

Why This Big Salad Recipe is a Winner

This Jennifer Garner-inspired big salad isn’t just another salad recipe; it’s a meal that’s thoughtfully crafted for both taste and nutrition. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Plant-Based Protein Powerhouse: Thanks to the addition of lentils, this salad is packed with plant-based protein, making it a satisfying and sustaining meal. Protein is crucial for satiety, muscle building, and overall health.
Nutrient-Rich Goodness: This salad is a rainbow of vegetables – sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and green beans – each contributing a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating a variety of vegetables is key to optimal health.
Delicious and Zesty Flavor: The balsamic Dijon dressing adds a tangy kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted vegetables and the earthiness of the lentils. The fresh dill brightens the flavors and adds an aromatic dimension.
Effortlessly Easy to Make: With simple, straightforward steps, this salad is easy enough to prepare for a weekday lunch or a weekend gathering.
Highly Customizable: One of the best things about a big salad is its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it a recipe you can adapt time and time again.
Perfect for Big Serving Bowls: This recipe makes a generous portion, ideal for sharing with family or friends. Presenting it in big serving bowls not only makes it visually appealing but also practical for tossing and serving.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Big Salad

Making this Jennifer Garner-inspired salad is straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to help you bring it to life:

Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to the ideal temperature for roasting vegetables.
Roast Sweet Potatoes: Dice the sweet potatoes, toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika work well), and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Roast Cauliflower: Prepare the cauliflower by chopping it into florets. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast on a separate baking sheet (or the same one if you have space) for a slightly shorter time than the sweet potatoes, until tender-crisp and lightly browned.
Blanch Green Vegetables: Briefly cook the broccoli florets and green beans in boiling water until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Immediately plunge them into cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant color and crispness. Drain well.
Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Shake or whisk until emulsified and creamy.
Assemble in Big Serving Bowls: Now for the fun part – assembly! In big serving bowls, gently combine the roasted sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower, blanched broccoli and green beans, arugula, lentils, plant-based feta, cashews, pistachios, and fresh dill.
Dress and Toss: Drizzle the balsamic Dijon dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Jennifer Garner's Big Salad beautifully arranged in a large bowl, ready to be served

Ingredient Highlights

Sweet Potatoes: These vibrant root vegetables are nutritional powerhouses, packed with fiber, vitamins (especially Vitamin A), and minerals. For a slight variation, you can substitute with butternut squash, which offers a similar sweetness and creamy texture.
Lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They add a hearty texture to the salad and help keep you feeling full. You can use any type of lentil you prefer – green, brown, or black (beluga lentils, as used in the original recipe, offer a beautiful visual appeal).
Plant-Based Feta: This adds a creamy, tangy, and slightly salty element to the salad, enhancing its overall flavor profile. If you can’t find plant-based feta, nutritional yeast flakes can provide a cheesy, umami flavor as an alternative.
Fresh Dill: Dill brings a unique, fresh, and slightly citrusy aroma to the salad. It complements the other flavors beautifully. If you don’t have dill, fresh parsley can be used as a substitute, offering a milder, more herbaceous flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this big salad recipe gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked or canned lentils? Yes, using canned lentils is a convenient option. Just make sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This big salad is great for meal prepping. Prepare all the components ahead of time and store them separately. Keep the dressing on the side and toss just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I make this salad nut-free? Simply omit the cashews and pistachios. For added crunch, consider using seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead.
What other dressings work well with this salad? While the balsamic Dijon dressing is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other dressings. A lemon tahini dressing, a creamy avocado dressing, or even a simple vinaigrette with herbs would all be delicious.

Tips and Variations for Your Big Salad

Roast Different Vegetables: To keep things interesting, try roasting other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or carrots. Each vegetable will bring a unique flavor and nutritional profile to your salad.
Add Different Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs to change the flavor profile. Try adding mint, cilantro, or chives in addition to or instead of dill.
Include Grains for Extra Heartiness: For an even more substantial meal, add cooked grains like quinoa, farro, or wild rice to your big salad.
Add Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle in some homemade croutons, toasted seeds, or crispy chickpeas.
Dressing is Key: Always taste and adjust your dressing to ensure it perfectly complements the salad ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ratios of vinegar, oil, and seasonings.
Embrace Color: Aim for a rainbow of colors in your salad. A variety of colors not only makes your salad visually appealing in big serving bowls but also ensures you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love Jennifer Garner’s Big Salad

Protein and Fiber-Rich: Keeps you satisfied and energized.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Zesty and Flavorful: A delicious combination of tastes and textures.
Easy to Prepare: Simple steps for a quick and healthy meal.
Versatile and Adaptable: Customize it to your liking and enjoy it year-round.
Perfect for Sharing (in Big Serving Bowls!): Makes a generous portion that’s ideal for gatherings or meal prep.

Jennifer Garner enjoying her big salad from a wooden serving bowl

Jennifer Garner ‘Big Salad’ Recipe

⭐️ 4.9 from 14 votes

Favorite

This hearty and nutritious salad, inspired by Jennifer Garner, is perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. It features roasted sweet potatoes and cauliflower, protein-rich lentils, and a zesty balsamic Dijon dressing. Serve it in big serving bowls for a family-style meal.

By Sarah Cobacho (plantbaes.com) print pin

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Video

[Link to video (if available)]

Equipment

Big Serving Bowls

Servings: 2 servings (easily doubled or tripled for larger big serving bowls)

Ingredients

2 cups (266 g) sweet potato, diced
2 tsp (9.86 ml) olive oil
1.5 cups (150 g) cauliflower, chopped into florets
1 cup (90 g) broccoli, chopped into florets
1 cup green beans, ends removed, chopped in half
3 cups (60 g) arugula (rocket)
1 tbsp (10 g) cashews, chopped
1 tbsp (7.5 g) pistachios, chopped
30 g plant-based feta
1 cup (200 g) beluga lentils, cooked
¼ cup (10 g) fresh dill

Dressing

1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil
2 tsp (10 ml) balsamic vinegar
1.5 tbsp (22 ml) lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 35 minutes.
In a separate tray, toss cauliflower with 1 tsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 25 minutes.
Boil broccoli and green beans for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer to cold water to cool, then drain.
Whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice for the dressing.
In big serving bowls, combine broccoli, green beans, sweet potato, cauliflower, arugula, cashews, pistachios, feta, lentils, dill, and dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste. Enjoy!