Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) Recipe

If you’re looking for a scoopable treat that checks all the boxes for creamy, protein-packed, salty-sweet magic, then you’re in for a real treat with this Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi). This ice cream is as nourishing as it is indulgent, built on the smooth, mellow tang of cottage cheese, the gentle kiss of honey, and those irresistible pops of sea salt. Whether you need a post-workout dessert or a fun family treat, this recipe promises flavor, satisfaction, and a dose of joy with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can deliver such extraordinary results! Each component of Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) brings unique character and purpose—making every bite deliciously memorable.

• 16 oz cottage cheese: The unsung hero, giving creamy richness and a serious boost of protein—don’t worry, it blends smoothly and no one will ever guess!
• 1/4 cup honey: Nature’s golden sweetener adds floral notes and perfectly rounds out the saltiness—plus, it keeps the texture lush and soft.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla is the secret behind that irresistible ice cream flavor—don’t skip it!
• 1/4 tsp sea salt: A little goes a long way, awakening the flavors and offering those crave-worthy bursts of salty surprise.
• 3 dates: Chop and swirl them in at the end for caramel-like flecks and natural sweetness.

How to Make Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi)

Step 1: Mix the Base

Start by gathering all your ingredients, except for the dates, into a pint-sized Ninja CREAMi container. Don’t underestimate the power of this blend: the cottage cheese, honey, vanilla, and sea salt come together like best friends at a summer block party. Give it all a solid stir—just make sure it’s well mixed so each bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Freeze Until Solid

Once your base is mixed up, secure the lid and pop the container into the freezer for at least 4 hours. This step is essential for that signature Ninja CREAMi texture. As the mixture chills, flavors deepen and meld, turning humble cottage cheese into a rich, creamy canvas ready to be transformed.

Step 3: Temper the Ice Cream

After the base is frozen solid, take it out and either let it sit at room temp for 10 to 15 minutes or run the container under hot water for a couple of minutes. This softens things just enough so your Ninja CREAMi can do its magic, blending everything to smooth perfection without any icy bits.

Step 4: Blend in the Ninja CREAMi

Time for the real fun! Snap the container into your Ninja CREAMi and select the “Lite Ice Cream” setting. Watch as it transforms your frosty mixture into an unbelievably creamy, velvety ice cream—packed with protein and lush sweetness.

Step 5: Add Dates and Mix In

Dice up your dates and toss them in. Use the “Mix-In” feature and let those caramel-like bites drizzle through the ice cream, adding chewy bursts of flavor and gorgeous marbled pockets of sweetness.

How to Serve Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving is transformative—it elevates the sweet and brings out the honey’s nuances. For bonus points, drizzle a bit more honey over the top or add a scatter of toasted nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

This ice cream is delightful all by itself, but you can pair it with fresh summer berries, a warm wedge of apple crisp, or thin slices of grilled peaches. For breakfast vibes, spoon it over a fluffy stack of protein pancakes!

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) into little jars for a portable treat, or serve sundae-style with fruit compote, crumbled pistachios, or a ribbon of dark chocolate. Tiny waffle cones or cups make for a fun, party-ready presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s a big “if”!), transfer any extra Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) into a tightly sealed container. It’ll hold beautifully in the freezer for a couple of days, keeping its creamy consistency thanks to the honey and cottage cheese base.

Freezing

For best texture, keep the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer. If making ahead, you can freeze the base up to 48 hours in advance, then churn it fresh in your Ninja CREAMi whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! If your ice cream is too firm straight from the freezer, just let it thaw on the counter for 10-15 minutes, or rerun it through your Ninja CREAMi for that perfect creamy scoop.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

You can swap in Greek yogurt if you like, but cottage cheese gives the Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) an especially silky texture. The yogurt version will be a touch tangier and possibly a bit icier, but still delicious!

Do I need to soak or chop the dates first?

There’s no need to soak the dates since the Ninja CREAMi does a great job blending them in, but chopping them into small pieces ensures you get tasty little bites of caramel sweetness in every spoonful.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave work well in place of honey, but keep in mind each will bring its own subtle flavor. Honey really shines here and plays beautifully with the sea salt, so try to use it if you can.

Is this ice cream suitable for meal prep or batch making?

Definitely! Whip up a few batches of Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) and freeze them for quick, nourishing treats all week long. Just mix and freeze the bases ahead of time, then spin them as needed.

What if I don’t have a Ninja CREAMi?

While this recipe shines in the Ninja CREAMi, you can blend the mixture very smooth, freeze it, then give it a quick blitz before serving. The texture won’t be quite as fluffy, but it will still be creamy and delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an ice cream that’s crave-worthy, good for you, and honestly a joy to make, Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) is your new go-to. It’s a true celebration of sweet and salty, creamy and chewy, nourishing and totally satisfying—all at once. Don’t wait: give it a try and watch this clever treat become a staple in your kitchen!

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