Honey, Olive Oil & Sea Salt Protein Ice Cream

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I’m no chef. I did not go to culinary school, I did not study in Italy, and I cannot say “toy boat” three times fast. BUT that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t trust me when I say this Honey, Olive Oil & Sea Salt Protein Ice Cream is absolutelyyyy deliciousssss!!

I really don’t even know how to describe the flavor, but if I were eating it with my eyes closed, I would’ve thought it was ice cream with some sort of frosting on it—not frosting texture-wise, but frosting flavor-wise. I know that doesn’t sound right at all, but honestly, that’s all I could think when I was eating it. It’s just not at all what you would expect, but in the best way possible. A real treat for an adventurous palate!

What’s even crazier is that I only thought to try this flavor combo because of the olive oil-on-ice-cream trend floating around on TikTok! When I saw it, though, I was like, ehhhhhh… While I am willing to try anything at least once, I didn’t think I’d be a fan. But I am happy to admit that I was wrong, and hopefully, if you’re reading this and have similar doubts, you’ll be willing to at least try it just once like I did.

What’s the worst that could happen? You don’t like it… then move on with your life and forget about it? Even though there’s like a 0.00000000001% chance of that being the case. So basically… not possible!

Let’s get into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & High-Protein – Thanks to the protein powder and sugar-free pudding mix, you get an extra-smooth texture with a protein boost.
• Sweet & Savory Perfection – The honey’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the richness of olive oil and the contrast of sea salt.
• Ninja Creami Magic – No churning, no fancy ice cream makers—just freeze, spin, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 360ml (1 ½ cups) 2% milk (or any milk of choice)
• 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder
• 14g sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tbsp (21g) honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp Himalayan sea salt (or regular sea salt)
• 2 tsp (10ml) extra virgin olive oil (for topping)
• More sea salt for finishing

How to Make It

1. Blend the Base

In a blender, combine milk, protein powder, pudding mix, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend until smooth.

2. Freeze for 24 Hours

Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint, making sure it’s on a level surface in the freezer. Freeze for a full 24 hours.

3. Spin to Perfection

After freezing, rinse the outside of the pint under hot water for 1-2 minutes. Then, spin it on Light Ice Cream mode.

4. Re-Spin as Needed

If the texture is crumbly, re-spin 1-2 times until it reaches your desired consistency. You can add a splash of milk if necessary.

5. Finish with Olive Oil & Sea Salt

Drizzle 2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle a little extra sea salt for the perfect balance of flavors.

6. Enjoy!

Serve immediately and experience the smooth, sweet, and salty magic!

Customization Ideas

• Make It Sweeter: Add an extra ½ tbsp of honey for a richer, more pronounced sweetness.
• Try a Different Salt: Use flaky Maldon salt for a crispier crunch or smoked sea salt for a deeper flavor.
• Go Dairy-Free: Swap the 2% milk for almond, cashew, or oat milk—just note that plant-based milks may result in a slightly icier texture.
• Add a Crunch: Top with crushed almonds, pistachios, or even cacao nibs for an extra layer of texture.
• Infuse the Olive Oil: For an elevated twist, try lemon-infused olive oil or vanilla-infused olive oil for a hint of citrus or extra depth.

Tips for the Best Ice Cream

• Use High-Quality Olive Oil – A mild, extra virgin olive oil with fruity notes will complement the honey best. Avoid anything too bitter or peppery.
• Don’t Skip the Salt – The sea salt isn’t just for contrast—it enhances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
• Re-Spin for Creaminess – If the ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, re-spin at least once, if not twice for the best texture.
• Warm the Pint for Easier Spinning – Running the pint under warm water or thawing before spinning leads to a smoother final texture.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

If you’re loving the magic of homemade Ninja Creami protein ice cream, here are a few more must-try flavors that bring bold, unique flavors to your high-protein treats:

• London Fog Protein Ice Cream – A creamy, Earl Grey-infused ice cream with hints of vanilla and honey for the perfect tea-latte-inspired treat.
• Tiramisu Protein Ice Cream – Layers of rich espresso, vanilla, and cocoa come together in this protein-packed spin on the classic Italian dessert.
• Stracciatella Protein Ice Cream – A silky vanilla base with delicate pieces of chocolate that create perfect bites—just like the Italian gelato favorite.
• Lemon Bar Protein Ice Cream – Bright, zesty lemon meets a buttery vanilla base for a sweet-tart, high-protein dessert.

FAQ: Honey, Olive Oil & Sea Salt Protein Ice Cream

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! Whole milk will make it creamier, while almond or oat milk will lighten it up. Just note that plant-based milks may slightly alter the texture.

Does the olive oil make the ice cream taste weird?

Not at all! It adds a smooth, buttery richness without overpowering the honey-vanilla flavor. Just use a mild, high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Why use Himalayan sea salt?

I used Himalayan sea salt because it has a more delicate, mineral-rich flavor, but regular sea salt works too. The key is not skipping the salt—it enhances the sweetness and adds depth.

What if my ice cream is too crumbly after spinning?

Re-spin it! The first spin is often a bit dry, but one or two re-spins will make it creamy. If needed, add a splash of milk before re-spinning.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Once spun, store it in the freezer and re-spin when you’re ready to eat. Just let it sit at room temp for a few minutes first.

Final Thoughts

This honey, olive oil & sea salt protein ice cream is proof that simple ingredients can create flavors that are next-levellll. The sweetness of honey, the buttery smoothness of olive oil, and the flavor-enhancing magic of sea salt come together in a way that’s unexpected but absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for a high-protein treat that feels gourmet but is also too easy to make, this one’s for you!

Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear what you think!