Pistachio ice cream has that perfect mix of nutty sweetness and creamy texture—it’s seriously a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You don’t need to travel to a fancy gelato shop to enjoy it. With the Ninja Creami, you can whip up a healthier, protein-packed version of this classic treat right at home.
Whether you’re a fitness buff or just someone who loves a good dessert without the guilt, this recipe is going to hit the spot. Ready to dive in?
What to Expect
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Processing Time: ~5 minutes
- Servings: 1 pint (about 2 servings)—scale it up for more.
- Why It’s Easy: No hard-to-pronounce ingredients or complicated steps. Just blend, freeze, process, and enjoy.
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Ninja Creami machine
- Small blender
- Measuring cups/spoons
Pro tip: You can prep the base ahead and freeze it for up to 3 days. Leftovers? Freeze and reprocess later for fresh ice cream every time.
What You’ll Need
For the Base:
- 1 Vanilla Protein Shake (11.5 oz): Creamy and loaded with protein. Try Fairlife or something similar.
- Sweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (2 oz): Adds richness while keeping it light. Sub unsweetened almond milk to cut sugar.
- Sugar-Free Pistachio Pudding Mix (2 tbsp): This is where the magic happens—creamy texture and bold pistachio flavor in one.
- Almond Extract (¾ tsp): Boosts the nuttiness. Too strong? Swap for vanilla extract.
For the Crunch:
- Chopped Pistachios (2 tbsp): Adds that irresistible texture. Toast them for a flavor upgrade—totally worth the extra effort.
Optional Tweaks:
- Extra Almond Milk (1–2 tbsp): Use during processing if your ice cream needs a little smoothing out.
How to Make It
Step 1: Blend It Up
Combine the protein shake, almond milk, pudding mix, and almond extract in a small blender. Blend until smooth and lump-free. The goal? A silky base that freezes beautifully.
Step 2: Freeze It
Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Don’t go over the max fill line! Pop it in the freezer and let it freeze flat for at least 24 hours. Need to freeze early? You’ve got up to 3 days.
Step 3: Process It
Once frozen solid, take the pint out, pop it into your Ninja Creami, and secure the lid. Use the “Lite Ice Cream” setting. If it comes out crumbly (it happens), just add 1–2 tbsp of almond milk, respin, and watch it turn creamy.
Step 4: Mix It Up
Now for the fun part—mix-ins! Create a small well in the center, drop in your pistachios, and use the “Mix-In” function to blend them evenly into your ice cream.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop it out, garnish with more pistachios if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in! Prefer cones? Totally works too.
Make It Your Own
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based protein shake and check that your pudding mix is vegan.
- Low-Calorie Option: Unsweetened almond milk and skip the pistachio mix-ins.
- Extra Flavor Ideas:
- Add a splash of rose water for an exotic twist.
- Mix in white chocolate chips for a little indulgence.
- Sub vanilla extract for almond if you don’t love an intense nutty flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
- How to Serve: Chill your bowls beforehand for an extra-cool experience. Top with dark chocolate drizzle or crushed pistachios. Pair with biscotti for a crunch!
- Leftovers? Store in the Ninja Creami pint with the lid sealed tight. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reprocess on “Lite Ice Cream” and add a splash of almond milk if needed.
This recipe is as simple as it gets, but the result? A dessert that feels indulgent and fits your healthy lifestyle. Perfect for a post-workout treat or a cozy night in—because who doesn’t love pistachio ice cream?
PrintNinja Creami Pistachio Protein Ice Cream
This creamy, protein-packed pistachio ice cream is a healthier twist on a classic dessert. Made with a vanilla protein shake and sugar-free pistachio pudding mix, it’s the perfect guilt-free treat for pistachio lovers!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: ~24 hours 5 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 11.5 fl oz (340 ml) vanilla protein shake
- 2 fl oz (59 ml) sweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 tbsp sugar-free pistachio instant pudding mix
- ¾ tsp almond extract
Mix-ins (Optional):
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
Adjusting Consistency (Optional):
- 1–2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture:
In a blender, combine the protein shake, almond milk, pudding mix, and almond extract. Blend until smooth and the pudding mix is fully dissolved. - Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring it doesn’t exceed the max fill line. Freeze on a flat surface without the lid for at least 24 hours. - Process in Ninja Creami:
After freezing, place the pint container in the Ninja Creami machine and process using the Lite Ice Cream setting. If the texture is crumbly or dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of almond milk to the center and respin until creamy. - Add Mix-ins:
Create a small well in the center of the ice cream, add chopped pistachios, and use the Mix-In function to incorporate them evenly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop into bowls or cones, garnish with extra pistachios if desired, and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with additional chopped pistachios or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Pair with biscotti or almond cookies for added crunch.
Tips & Tricks:
- Freeze without the lid to avoid uneven freezing or bumps on top.
- If crumbly after processing, respin with a splash of almond milk until smooth.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in the Ninja Creami pint container with a tightly secured lid.
- To serve again, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reprocessing on Lite Ice Cream. Add almond milk if needed to restore creaminess.