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This Ninja Creami pistachio ice cream recipe is smooth, creamy, and full of classic pistachio flavor. Made with just 4 ingredients, it’s an easy lower-sugar frozen treat that’s hard to believe is lightened up.
Pistachio lovers, this Ninja Creami Pistachio ice cream is about to become your new favorite frozen treat! It’s smooth, creamy, and packed with that classic sweet pistachio flavor you expect from traditional pistachio ice cream.
Made with just 4 simple ingredients, this lighter version is easy to make and still tastes rich and creamy. It also packs 8 grams of protein per serving, and if you use sugar-free pistachio pudding mix, there’s no added sugar.
If you love high protein ice cream recipes, try my Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream and my Ninja Creami Frozen Yogurt next!
Easy and Creamy Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream
What to Expect: This Ninja Creami Pistachio ice cream has a smooth, creamy texture and classic pistachio flavor from the pudding mix. It’s lighter than traditional pistachio ice cream, but still creamy enough to feel like a true ice cream treat.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Easy to make. Simply whisk together the ingredients, freeze the pint, and let the Ninja Creami do the rest.
- Classic pistachio flavor. Pistachio pudding mix gives this ice cream its signature pistachio flavor without the extra work of grinding nuts or making a custard base.
- Smooth and creamy. The Ninja Creami transforms a simple mixture of milk, cream, and pudding mix into a rich, scoopable ice cream texture.
- A lighter frozen treat. This recipe is lower in sugar and fat than many traditional pistachio ice cream recipes while still offering plenty of flavor.
- Just 4 ingredients. You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this homemade pistachio ice cream.
Grab your Ninja Creami machine and make this easy pistachio ice cream!
Ingredient Notes
- Milk: Milk forms the base of this recipe. I recommend using at least 2% milk for the creamiest texture, though whole milk works great too. I personally love to use a higher protein ultra filtered milk like Fairlife to add a little more nutrition and plenty of creaminess. You can also use a plant-based milk like oat milk or coconut milk.
- Heavy Cream: Just a small amount of heavy cream helps create a richer, creamier texture. Even 2 tablespoons makes a noticeable difference in helping the ice cream feel more like traditional pistachio ice cream.
- Pistachio pudding mix: Instant pistachio pudding mix gives this ice cream its classic pistachio flavor, signature green color, and creamy texture. It also helps keep the ice cream softer and less icy than freezing. Use regular or sugar-free pudding mix depending on your preference.
- Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add extra pistachio flavor and a delicious crunchy contrast to the creamy ice cream. Stir them in using the Mix-in function after spinning for the best texture.
- Optional sweetener: Depending on the pudding mix you use and your personal preference, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of honey, maple syrup, or sugar before freezing for a sweeter ice cream.
Variations
- Higher protein. Add a scoop of either vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder for a higher protein treat.
- Ultra creamy. Use whole milk or heavy cream if you want a fuller fat, super creamy ice cream.
- Dairy-free. Swap out the dairy for your favorite plant based milk + 2 tbsp coconut cream or Country Crock plant cream.
- Chocolate pistachio. Add mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks as a mix-in for a pistachio chocolate chip ice cream. White chocolate chips would be delicious too.
- Marshmallow pistachio. Mix in a scoop of fluff for a marshmallow swirl pistachio ice cream.
- Extra pistachio flavor. Top with a drizzle of pistachio butter or some additional chopped pistachios for a nice crunch.
- Pistachio sundae. Top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, chopped pistachios, or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.
- Pistachio milkshake. Combine 1 ½ cup ice cream + ⅓ cup milk in the Ninja Creami pint container, secure outer bowl lid and run on Milkshake cycle!
How to Make Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream
- Add all ingredients to the Ninja Creami pint container except for the chopped pistachios. Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Note: I recommend taste testing at this step to make sure that your mixture is sweet enough for you. If needed, add a teaspoon of additional sweetener like table sugar, maple syrup or honey.
- Freeze for 24 hours.
- Run lite ice cream mode x1.
- Run respin mode x2. (If the mixture is still crumbly at this point, use a very small splash of milk- about a tablespoon of milk and spin a final time)
- Create a small opening in the center of the ice cream pint and add pistachios. Run mix-in mode x1.
- Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
JAMIE’s TIPS
Expert Recipe Tips
- Taste the base before freezing. Pistachio pudding mixes can vary in sweetness. Taste the mixture before freezing and adjust if desired.
- Re-spin if needed. If the ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and run the re-spin cycle.
- Add pistachios after spinning. For the best crunch, use the Mix-In function after the ice cream is processed rather than blending the pistachios into the base.
- Serve right after spinning. The texture is creamiest immediately after processing.
How to Store
Store leftover pistachio ice cream in the Ninja Creami pint container with the lid secured and keep in the freezer for up to 1 week. Before refreezing, smooth the top of the ice cream into an even layer.
You can run the re-spin cycle to restore its creamy texture. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk before re-spinning.
If you use your Ninja Creami often, I highly recommend keeping a few extra pint containers on hand. I always have several pints in the freezer so there’s a homemade ice cream ready whenever a craving strikes.
More Delicious Ninja Creami Recipes
- Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipe
- Cookies and Cream Ninja Creami Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Frozen Yogurt
- Cottage Cheese Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
- Ninja Creami Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Coffee Ice Cream
- Dole Whip Ninja Creami Recipe
- Ninja Creami Banana Ice Cream
If you’ve made and loved this Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk, at least 2%, I like to use Fairlife
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp pistachio instant pudding mix, sugar-free or regular
- 2 tbsp pistachios, chopped
- 1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup, optional if you prefer a sweeter ice cream
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the Ninja Creami pint container except for the chopped pistachios. Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Note: I recommend taste testing at this step to make sure that your mixture is sweet enough for you. If needed, add a teaspoon of additional sweetener like table sugar, maple syrup or honey.
- Freeze for 24 hours.
- Run lite ice cream mode x1.
- Run respin mode x2. (If the mixture is still crumbly at this point, use a very small splash of milk and spin a final time)
- Create a small opening in the center of the ice cream pint and add pistachios. Run mix-in mode x1.
Notes
- Re-spin if crumbly: If the ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and re-spin.
- Freeze the base for 24 hours. This ensure the best consistency.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
This was so easy. I love that using the pudding mix adds the perfect amount of flavor and makes it so creamy too!