If you are craving a refreshing and nourishing treat that perfectly blends cool minty freshness with creamy indulgence, then the Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe is exactly what you need. This wonderfully smooth protein shake is crafted using the Ninja Creami, bringing together wholesome ingredients like protein powder, creamy skyr, and just the right hint of mint for a shake that’s both satisfying and vibrant. It’s an ideal snack or post-workout pick-me-up that feels like a dessert but fuels your body with goodness in every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and nutrition, making the final shake irresistibly creamy and delightfully minty.
- 240 ml (1 cup) 2% milk, divided: Provides the creamy base and helps dissolve the gelatin smoothly.
- 6 g gelatin: Essential for adding a luscious, scoopable texture to your shake after freezing.
- 35 ml (2 tbsp) maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements the mint without overpowering.
- 113 g (½ cup) full-fat plain skyr or Greek yogurt: Adds protein, tanginess, and velvety creaminess.
- 34 g (1 scoop) vanilla protein powder: Fuels muscle recovery with a mild vanilla flavor that balances mint perfectly.
- ¼ tsp mint extract (not peppermint): Delivers authentic mint flavor without the sharpness of peppermint.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- Green food coloring (optional): Creates a playful, minty-green appearance that makes this shake even more fun.
- Optional toppings – whipped cream, sprinkles: For an extra festive touch when serving.
How to Make Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin
Begin by gently warming half of the milk in a small saucepan, just until it’s warm to the touch but not boiling. This gentle heat is crucial because it helps the gelatin dissolve fully, ensuring that the final texture of your shake is perfectly smooth and scoopable. Whisk in the gelatin until there are no lumps, and then set aside.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the warm gelatin mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container as the base. Then, add the remaining milk along with maple syrup, skyr or Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, mint extract, salt, and if you’re feeling festive, a few drops of green food coloring. This combination brings together the rich, creamy base and refreshing mint flavor.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Once all ingredients are in the pint container, blend vigorously until you achieve a completely smooth and homogenous mixture. This step ensures that the protein powder and gelatin are fully incorporated and that the shake will churn into a silky-soft delight.
Step 4: Freeze for 24 Hours
Place the pint container in your freezer for a full 24 hours. This extended freezing time is what allows the Ninja Creami to do its magic, transforming your blended mix into a creamy, frozen treat that’s more like ice cream than an ordinary shake.
Step 5: Process with the Ninja Creami
After freezing, attach your pint to the Ninja Creami machine and select the ‘Lite Ice Cream’ function. This special setting creates a creamy consistency that perfectly balances the budding firmness from the frozen gelatin and the creamy base ingredients.
Step 6: Adjust Texture If Needed
If the shake appears crumbly instead of creamy, add a splash of milk directly into the container and spin it again until smooth and dreamy. This little trick guarantees that you can customize the texture to your own taste.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve
For the finishing touch, top your shake with dollops of whipped cream and a sprinkle of festive sprinkles if you like. Serve it immediately to enjoy the fresh, cool, and creamy Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe at its absolute best.
How to Serve Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes really elevate this protein shake to something special. Whipped cream adds a cloud-like, creamy finish, and colorful sprinkles bring a touch of whimsy. For an extra minty punch, you could even add a few fresh mint leaves on top to amp up the aroma and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This protein shake makes a fantastic light meal on its own, but if you want to pair it, consider fresh fruit like berries or a crunchy granola bar. These sides add texture and nutrients without overpowering the delicate mint and vanilla flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this shake party-ready by serving it in cute mason jars with striped straws or small dessert cups to look like mini frozen treats. You might also layer a bit of crushed graham cracker or cookie crumbs at the bottom for added crunch, turning it into an elegant and fun protein-packed dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the shake in an airtight container in your freezer. Because of the gelatin, the texture holds up wonderfully, meaning you won’t lose that creamy magic for at least a few days.
Freezing
When freezing for longer storage, make sure the container is sealed tight to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply re-spin in your Ninja Creami using the same ‘Lite Ice Cream’ setting to revive that creamy texture before serving.
Reheating
This shake is best enjoyed cold or frozen, so reheating isn’t really recommended. Instead, if the frozen shake is too hard, just let it thaw slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes and then spin it again to refresh the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! While 2% milk gives a nice balance of creaminess and lightness, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based alternative, but keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami machine?
This recipe is designed for the Ninja Creami’s unique churning capability, but you could attempt to freeze the mixture and blend in a high-powered blender, though the texture won’t be quite the same.
Can I substitute the gelatin?
Gelatin is key for creating that luscious, scoopable texture in this shake. If you want a vegan option, try agar-agar, but results might differ, so experiment with small batches first.
Why use mint extract and not peppermint?
Mint extract tends to be milder and sweeter compared to the sharper, cooler peppermint extract. This creates a smooth, creamy mint flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla and maple syrup.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Definitely! The combination of protein powder and Greek yogurt makes this shake an excellent source of protein, perfect for post-workout recovery or a filling snack.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a deliciously creamy and refreshingly minty protein shake that feels like a treat but fuels your body, the Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe is a must-try. Fun to make and easy to personalize, it’s a little indulgence that brings big nutrition and big smiles. Grab your Ninja Creami and dive into this vibrant shake – your taste buds will thank you!
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Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Mint-To-Be Protein Shake is a refreshing and nutritious treat made with creamy yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and a hint of mint extract. Using the Ninja Creami, this shake transforms into a smooth, ice-cream-like dessert that’s perfect for a post-workout snack or a guilt-free indulgence. With optional toppings like whipped cream and sprinkles, it offers a fun and delicious way to enjoy a protein boost with a cool minty twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 240 ml (1 cup) 2% milk, divided + more for blending
- 6 g gelatin
- 35 ml (2 tbsp) maple syrup
- 113 g (½ cup) full-fat plain skyr or Greek yogurt
- 34 g (1 scoop) vanilla protein powder
- ¼ tsp mint extract (not peppermint)
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Green food coloring (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Warm Gelatin: In a small saucepan, gently warm half of the milk over low heat and whisk in the gelatin until it is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth mixture without any lumps.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm gelatin mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Add the remaining milk, maple syrup, yogurt, vanilla protein powder, mint extract, a pinch of kosher salt, and green food coloring if desired for visual appeal.
- Blend Mixture: Blend all the ingredients in the pint container until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in texture, preparing it for freezing.
- Freeze: Place the sealed pint container in the freezer and freeze it for 24 hours to allow the mixture to solidify adequately.
- Process in Ninja Creami: After freezing, process the pint using the “Lite Ice Cream” function on the Ninja Creami to transform the frozen mixture into a creamy, protein-packed treat.
- Adjust Texture: If the texture is crumbly after processing, add a splash of milk and re-spin using the Ninja Creami until the shake becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top with whipped cream and sprinkles if desired, and serve the Mint-To-Be Protein Shake immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use 2% milk for a balance of creaminess and lower fat content; whole milk could be used for a richer taste.
- Do not substitute peppermint extract for mint extract as they have different flavor profiles.
- If green food coloring is not available or preferred, the shake will still taste delicious without it.
- The Ninja Creami is essential for the texture; alternative blending and freezing methods may not yield the same creamy consistency.
- This recipe yields one serving and can be scaled up by preparing multiple pints.
- The shake is best enjoyed immediately after processing in the Ninja Creami for optimal creaminess.
