Dreamy High-Protein Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

Whip Up Dreamy High-Protein Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe Today!

Creamy desserts take on a whole new level with this high-protein pistachio ice cream that promises pure indulgence.

Packed with nutty goodness, this recipe delivers a delightful blend of rich flavor and nutritional benefits.

The smooth, velvety texture melts perfectly on your tongue, creating an irresistible treat.

Pistachios bring their distinctive green hue and earthy notes to every spoonful.

Each scoop offers a protein-packed punch that satisfies sweet cravings without guilt.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious frozen dessert that feels like a gourmet experience.

Prepare to be transported by this delectable, protein-enhanced ice cream that’s sure to become your new favorite summer indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2-3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Pistachio Protein Ice Cream

For Base Ingredients:
  • Pistachios: Rich, creamy nuts that provide signature flavor and nutty texture, choose raw unsalted pistachios for best taste.
  • Milk: Smooth liquid foundation creating creamy consistency, whole milk works best for richness.
  • Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and tangy depth, select thick strained yogurt for best results.
For Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener bringing gentle floral notes, use raw local honey for deeper flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm aromatic essence that deepens overall dessert complexity, choose pure extract over artificial versions.
  • Almond Extract: Subtle nutty background note complementing pistachio's natural flavor, use sparingly for balanced taste.
For Protein and Seasoning:
  • Protein Powder: Boosts nutritional value and helps create smoother texture, select neutral-flavored whey or plant-based protein.
  • Salt: Tiny pinch balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Tools to Blend a Smooth and Nutty Frozen Dessert

  • Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy base by mixing pistachios and milk.
  • Freezer-safe Container: Needed to freeze and store the ice cream mixture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helpful for scraping down sides of blender and transferring mixture.
  • Ice Cream Scoop: Optional but great for serving smooth, round scoops.

How to Make Pistachio Ice Cream High in Protein

  • Whip Up the Creamy Base

Toss pistachios and milk into a blender and blitz until silky smooth. Drop in Greek yogurt, protein powder, honey, vanilla and almond extracts, and a tiny salt pinch. Pulse until everything marries together into a dreamy mixture.

  • Freeze and Chill

Pour the luscious blend into a container that can handle the freezer’s cold embrace. Pop it in and let it hang out for 1-2 hours. Every half hour, give it a quick stir to keep those pesky ice crystals from crashing the party.

  • Scoop and Celebrate

Pull your creation out and let it catch its breath at room temperature for a few minutes. Grab a scoop and dive in. Want extra flair? Sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for a crunchy finale.

Mix-In Options for a Nutritious Treat

  • Chill the blender container in the freezer for 15 minutes before blending to help the mixture freeze faster and more evenly.
  • Replace honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version that reduces overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Experiment with different protein powder types like whey, plant-based, or casein to adjust texture and nutritional profile according to dietary preferences.
  • If you don't want to stir frequently, use an ice cream maker or blend the mixture every hour to create a smoother, creamier consistency without manual intervention.

How to Serve Pistachio Ice Cream With Style

  • Nutty Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a warm slice of honey-drizzled almond cake for a delightful protein-packed treat that complements the ice cream's rich pistachio flavor.
  • Green Protein Parfait: Layer the pistachio ice cream with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries in a clear glass for a stunning and nutritious dessert presentation.
  • Decadent Breakfast Boost: Use the ice cream as a topping for morning oatmeal or chia pudding, adding a creamy protein punch to start your day with delicious energy.
  • Cocktail Dessert Twist: Serve a small scoop as an elegant palate cleanser between courses or alongside an after-dinner coffee liqueur for a sophisticated touch.

Keeping Homemade Ice Cream Fresh in the Freezer

  • Transfer the ice cream to a shallow, wide container for faster and more even freezing, which helps maintain a creamy texture and prevents large ice crystals from developing.
  • Store the ice cream in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize freezer burn and preserve the rich pistachio flavor.
  • Use silicone molds or an ice cream scoop to pre-portion servings, making it easy to grab a quick, protein-packed treat without thawing the entire batch.
  • Homemade high-protein ice cream stays fresh in the freezer for up to 2 weeks when properly sealed, maintaining its delicious taste and nutritional benefits.
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Dreamy High-Protein Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

Dreamy High-Protein Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy pistachio ice cream delivers a luxurious protein-packed dessert that balances nutty richness with smooth indulgence. Cool Mediterranean flavors and silky texture invite eager palates to savor each refreshing spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 scoops vanilla or pistachio protein powder
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt for a tangier taste)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) shelled pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • ¼ cup (85 g) honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional, enhances pistachio flavor)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 34 drops green food coloring (optional, for a classic pistachio look)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base: Pulverize pistachios and milk in a blender until achieving a silky consistency. Incorporate Greek yogurt, protein powder, honey, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt, blending thoroughly until ingredients harmonize into a uniform mixture.
  2. Chill Mixture: Decant the blended concoction into a freezer-safe vessel. Position in freezer and intermittently agitate every half-hour to disrupt potential crystallization, allowing approximately 1-2 hours for gradual freezing.
  3. Presentation: Remove from freezer and allow slight temperature elevation for enhanced scoopability. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally embellishing with roughly chopped pistachios for textural contrast and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Stir the mixture every 30 minutes during freezing to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without hard ice crystals.
  • Swap protein powder with alternative protein sources like collagen or plant-based proteins for dietary preferences.
  • Allow the ice cream to sit for 2-3 minutes before scooping to achieve a softer, easier-to-serve consistency.
  • Toast pistachios lightly before blending to unlock deeper, nuttier flavor notes and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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