This mint chocolate chip protein Ninja Creami ice cream is the ultimate refreshing treat-cool, creamy, and protein-packed. It's made with wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, naturally sweet Medjool dates, and peppermint extract for that nostalgic ice cream shop flavor. Plus, it's naturally dyed green with spinach or spirulina!
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Table of Contents
Why you'll love it
Mint chocolate chip has always been one of my all-time favorite flavors, and now we've recreated a better-for-you version that's ultra creamy and full of protein. Here's why you'll love it too:
- Fresh and cooling - The peppermint extract gives this pint a crisp, refreshing flavor that's perfect for warm weather.
- Protein-packed - Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt paired with protein powder creates a dessert that's both satisfying and filling.
- Naturally sweetened - A single Medjool date brings just the right amount of natural sweetness without any added sugars.
- Chocolate chip crunch - The cocoa nibs or melted dark chocolate add that classic crunch in every bite.
What is a Ninja Creami?
The Ninja Creami is a total game-changer when it comes to frozen treats. Unlike traditional ice cream makers that churn a liquid base, the Creami freezes your base solid and then spins it into a creamy texture in minutes. No rock salt or bulky machines needed!
What is Ninja Creami protein ice cream?
Ninja Creami protein ice cream is a high-protein dessert that combines nourishing ingredients like milk, protein powder, and healthy fats. It's completely customizable-perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy ice cream while hitting their nutrition goals.
It's no surprise this trend took over TikTok. One spin and you'll be hooked.
Is this Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream healthy?
Absolutely! This version isn't just a treat-it's a nourishing way to fuel your body:
- Protein helps you stay full longer. Research shows high-protein diets can help with satiety and muscle recovery.
- Medjool dates provide fiber and minerals, like potassium and magnesium.
- Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt add gut-friendly probiotics and extra protein to support metabolism and digestion.
- Spinach and spirulina give the pint a natural green hue while adding antioxidants, iron, and B vitamins.
Ingredients you'll need
- Milk of your choice - Almond, coconut, whole milk, or even a vanilla protein shake all work well as your creamy base.
- Cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt - Adds extra creaminess and a boost of protein; either one blends smoothly for a rich texture.
- Vanilla protein powder - Use your favorite brand; whey or plant-based powders both work-this brings in the protein and that sweet vanilla flavor.
- Medjool date - A naturally sweet and sticky fruit that blends right in; find them in the produce or dried fruit section.
- Peppermint extract - Just a little gives the pint its classic minty flavor; look for it in the baking aisle.
- Spinach leaves or spirulina - Optional for a natural green color; spinach adds nutrients while spirulina gives a deeper hue.
- Salt - Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and balances the sweetness.
- Dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs - These go in after the first spin for that signature chocolate chip crunch.
How to make it
Blend the base
Add all ingredients except mix-ins to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
Freeze overnight
Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint. Place on a level surface in the freezer for at least 24 hours until fully solid.
First spin
Use the "Lite Ice Cream" setting. Don't worry if the texture looks crumbly or powdery-that's totally normal!
Add mix-ins and re-spin
Scrape down the sides and create a well in the center of the pint. Add melted dark chocolate or cocoa nibs, plus 1 tablespoon of milk. Re-spin using the "Mix-In" setting to get that smooth, creamy texture.
Serve and enjoy
Dig in right away or refreeze for later. If saving, smooth the top with a spoon before placing it back in the freezer.
Can I make this in the Ninja Creami Deluxe?
Yes! Just scale the recipe slightly to fill the larger Deluxe container, being careful not to exceed the max fill line. Here's what we recommend:
- 1½ cups milk of choice
- ⅓ to ½ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1½ scoops (~6 tablespoons) vanilla protein powder
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Handful of spinach or ¼ teaspoon spirulina
- Pinch of salt
- 1½ tablespoons milk (for re-spin)
Same process applies: freeze, spin, add mix-ins, re-spin, and enjoy!
Recipe tips and tricks
- Serving tips - Top with extra cocoa nibs or a drizzle of melted chocolate for that classic dessert shop finish.
- Troubleshooting tips - If it's still crumbly after re-spinning, add another splash of milk and spin again. You can also let it sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes.
- Scaling tips - Batch prep by freezing multiple pints with different variations. Spin whenever a craving strikes!
Customize it your way
- Milk of your choice: Use whole milk for a classic creamy texture, Fairlife shake for extra protein and sweetness, or go dairy-free with almond, coconut, or oat milk..
- Protein powder of your choice: You can pick a whey-based protein for easy blending, or go with a soy, pea, or rice protein for a plant-based option that fits vegan or dairy-free diets. We recommend using vanilla for the best flavor profile, however there's even some mint chocolate protein powders out there you could try!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! The base needs to freeze overnight anyway, so it's perfect for prepping in advance. Make a few pints and keep them stocked in your freezer.
How to store leftovers
Flatten the top with a spoon before refreezing. When ready to eat again, let sit out for 20-25 minutes, microwave for 10-15 seconds, or re-spin with a splash of milk. You can re-spin up to 3 times!
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Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream - Ninja Creami Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened milk of your choice, (We love using a vanilla protein shake for extra protein. You can also use any milk option like whole milk, almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, etc.)
- ¼ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1 heaping scoop (~4 Tbsp) vanilla protein powder of your choice
- 1 Medjool date, pitted
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few fresh spinach leaves or spirulina, (for natural green color) - or 2 drops natural green food coloring
- Pinch of salt
Mix-Ins:
- 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips, melted OR 3 tablespoons cocoa nibs
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except mix-ins into a blender and blend until smooth. Then, pour into your Ninja Creami Pint.
- NOTE: If using mainly liquid ingredients, you can just mix them directly in the Ninja Creami pint using a fork or milk frother.
- Place the Creami pint in the freezer on a level surface and freeze for at least 24 hours until fully solid.
- After 24 hours, remove from the freezer and process using the "Lite Ice Cream" setting. This will take about 2-3 minutes. After this spin, the texture will most likely look crumbly and airy, similar to snow. This is normal!
- Use a spoon or knife to carefully scrape around the sides of the pint. Then, create a small hole in the center reaching the bottom and melted chocolate and 1 tablespoon of the same liquid used in the base recipe.
- Re-spin using the "Mix-In" setting to fully blend the mix-ins and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Enjoy immediately or if you end up with extras, you can store in the freezer for later. For the best storage results, use a spoon to press the ice cream into a flat, even surface before refreezing.
Nutrition
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