If you crave a delightful blend of fresh mint and creamy sweetness with a nourishing boost, you are going to adore this Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe. It’s not just any protein shake; it’s a luscious combination of velvety yogurt, smooth vanilla protein, and a gentle hint of mint extract, all whipped into a creamy treat by the Ninja Creami. This shake is a perfect balance of rich texture and invigorating flavor, making it the ideal way to recharge after a workout or simply indulge in a healthy dessert-like experience.

Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe is a straightforward affair, but don’t be fooled by its simplicity. Every item plays a specific role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful minty green hue. These essentials ensure the shake is creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced.

240 ml (1 cup) 2% milk, divided: Provides the creamy base and hydration necessary for smooth blending and the perfect texture.
6 g gelatin: Acts as a natural thickener to give your shake that luscious, creamy mouthfeel after freezing.
35 ml (2 tbsp) maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with depth and a slight caramel undertone.
113 g (½ cup) full-fat plain skyr or Greek yogurt: Delivers creaminess and protein, plus tang that balances the sweet and mint flavors.
34 g (1 scoop) vanilla protein powder: Boosts protein content and adds subtle vanilla notes.
¼ tsp mint extract (not peppermint): Brings the distinct fresh and slightly sweet mint flavor without overpowering your shake.
Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop perfectly.
Green food coloring (optional): For that classic refreshing mint-green shade that makes it as visually delicious as it tastes.
Optional toppings like whipped cream and sprinkles: Add a fun and festive touch, making every sip feel like a treat.

How to Make Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe

Step 1: Dissolve Gelatin

Begin by gently warming half of the milk in a small saucepan. This warmth helps dissolve the gelatin smoothly, ensuring there are no lumps in your shake. Whisk it well until the gelatin completely disappears into the milk – this step is essential to achieve that silky texture we love.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Ninja Creami Container

Pour your warm gelatin mixture straight into a Ninja Creami pint container. Next, add the remaining ingredients: the rest of the milk, maple syrup, full-fat yogurt, vanilla protein powder, mint extract, that crucial pinch of salt, and a few drops of green food coloring if you want to nail the iconic mint look. This combination sets the stage for a perfectly balanced shake.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender or countertop blender, mix everything together until completely smooth. This ensures a flawlessly smooth base, so your Ninja Creami can work its magic and bring the texture to creamy perfection.

Step 4: Freeze

Seal the pint container and place it in your freezer for 24 hours. This overnight freeze is critical – it prepares your shake for the one-of-a-kind creamiest texture that only the Ninja Creami machine can achieve.

Step 5: Process with the Ninja Creami

Once completely frozen, load the pint into your Ninja Creami. Use the “Lite Ice Cream” function to process the shake. This function delicately transforms the frozen mixture into something amazingly creamy and smooth, much like soft-serve ice cream but with all the nourishing benefits of a protein shake.

Step 6: Adjust Texture if Needed

If you notice the texture is a bit crumbly or dry after processing, simply add a small splash of milk and run the spinner again. This little trick gets you that perfect creamy, dreamy consistency every time.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve

Finally, top your shake with whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive and indulgent touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the luscious texture and vibrant minty flavor at its very best.

How to Serve Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe elevates the experience. A dollop of whipped cream adds luscious creaminess, while colorful sprinkles or a few fresh mint leaves give an appealing contrast. Even a sprinkle of crushed dark chocolate or a drizzle of maple syrup can take this shake to the next level.

Side Dishes

This protein shake pairs wonderfully with light, wholesome snacks that won’t overshadow the fresh mint flavor. Think granola clusters, almond biscotti, or sliced fruit. They add a lovely crunch or complementary sweetness, making your snack or dessert time delightfully balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe in clear glasses to showcase its beautiful pastel green color. For a fun twist, layer the shake with crushed cookies or granola for a parfait effect. You could also freeze the shake in popsicle molds for a refreshing take on a protein-packed summer treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Keeping it sealed well prevents freezer burn and preserves the fresh mint flavor and creamy texture. It’s best enjoyed within a week for optimal taste.

Freezing

This recipe is designed to be frozen for 24 hours before processing. If you want to prepare it even earlier, keep it frozen solid until ready to process and serve. Freezing locks in freshness and allows the Ninja Creami to create that signature soft, creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t recommended for this protein shake since its charm lies in being cold and creamy. However, if it becomes too hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or add a splash of milk and blend again to soften it up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?

Peppermint extract has a much sharper and stronger flavor than mint extract and can easily overpower the shake. Mint extract provides a softer, sweeter mint flavor perfect for this recipe, so it’s best to stick with that for the ideal balance.

What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami? Can I still make this recipe?

The Ninja Creami is unique in producing an ultra-creamy texture by processing frozen pints. Without it, you can blend the mixture and freeze it, but the texture will be more icy and less creamy. To get closer to the original, try stirring the shake every 30 minutes while freezing.

Can I substitute the protein powder with a plant-based option?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a high-quality vanilla-flavored plant-based protein powder. It might slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it will keep the shake just as nutritious and delicious.

Is green food coloring necessary for this recipe?

Not at all. The green food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetic purposes. The shake tastes fantastic whether it’s green or the natural creamy color from the yogurt and milk.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe yields about 1 pint, which is perfect for two servings. It’s ideal for sharing or saving part for later.

Final Thoughts

This Mint-To-Be Protein Shake (Ninja Creami) Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a creamy, flavorful, and protein-packed treat any time of day. It’s simple, fun to prepare, and delightfully satisfying. I encourage you to try it, experiment with your favorite toppings, and make it your own. Once you taste how light, refreshing, and perfectly minty this shake is, it might just become your new favorite go-to indulgence.