Pistachio Mint Frozen Yogurt is easy to make at home and wonderfully refreshing. It blends bright mint with the rich, slightly sweet flavor of pistachios for a dessert that feels both simple and elegant.
Shelling and blanching pistachios can be the most time-consuming part of this recipe, especially if you start with nuts still in their shells and skins. Buying already shelled and skinned pistachios will speed things up, but if you have to do it yourself, it can be oddly satisfying—and taste-testing along the way is practically mandatory.
Mint: A Wonderful, But Prolific, Herb
Mint is one of those herbs that flourishes with very little attention. In a garden it can spread quickly, so many home gardeners grow it in containers to keep it from taking over other plants. Fresh mint gives this frozen yogurt its cooling note without overpowering the creamy base.
Growing Mint Plants
Container-grown mint still provides plenty of leaves for recipes while keeping the herb under control. There are many varieties—peppermint, spearmint, pineapple mint, apple mint, and even chocolate-scented types—each offering a slightly different aroma and flavor. For this frozen yogurt, standard peppermint or spearmint works perfectly, lending a clean, bright flavor that pairs nicely with pistachios.
Do I Need An Ice Cream Machine?
An ice cream maker speeds up the process and produces a smoother texture. If you own one, this frozen yogurt will be churned into a soft, scoopable dessert in about 30 minutes. Without a machine, you can still make excellent frozen yogurt by freezing the mixture in a shallow, freezer-safe container and stirring vigorously at 30-minute intervals until it freezes without large ice crystals. Either method yields a bright, minty treat that’s not overly sweet and looks lovely in a pale pastel green.
This recipe is naturally gluten free and suitable as a lighter dessert option when you want something cool and satisfying. Serve it as a stand-alone dessert, alongside fruit, or with a sprinkle of extra chopped pistachios for texture.
Other homemade frozen treats to try: Cherry Amaretto Ice Cream, Strawberry Popsicles (no sugar), Mango Coconut Ice Cream, Apricot Mascarpone Ice Cream, Black Currant Ice Cream, and Blueberry Popsicles.
Recipe
Pistachio Mint Frozen Yogurt
A simple, refreshing frozen yogurt flavored with fresh mint and chopped pistachios. Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight dessert.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freezing / Churn Time: 30 minutes (ice cream maker) or about 4 hours (freezer method)
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes (with ice cream maker) or about 4–5 hours (freezer method)
Servings: 4
Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Author: Colleen Milne
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain full-fat yogurt
- ¼ cup mint leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup shelled and skinned pistachio nuts, chopped
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves, 1 cup of yogurt, and the sugar in a blender. Blend until the mint is finely pureed and the sugar has dissolved into the yogurt.
- Transfer the mint-yogurt mixture to a bowl and stir in the remaining cup of yogurt and the chopped pistachios until evenly combined.
- If using an ice cream maker: pour the mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- If not using an ice cream maker: pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes for the first 2–3 hours, stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals and keep the texture creamy. Continue freezing until firm.
- Serve immediately for a softer texture or freeze for an additional 30 minutes for firmer scoops. Store in the freezer for up to 2–3 months in a well-sealed container.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 180 kcal | Carbohydrates: 21 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 15 mg | Sodium: 55 mg | Potassium: 304 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 18 g | Vitamin A: 280 IU | Vitamin C: 2.1 mg | Calcium: 161 mg | Iron: 0.6 mg
Tips: For a smoother nut texture, pulse the pistachios briefly in a food processor instead of chopping by hand. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase the sugar slightly, or try a natural sweetener instead. Fresh mint gives the best flavor; if using dried, reduce the amount and steep it briefly in a little warm yogurt before blending.