Frosted Lemonade Creami Inspired by my favorite Chick-fil-A summer treat (but better)
If you know me, you know I take my food freedom seriously. I'm not about restriction, I'm not about sad diet food, and I am absolutely not giving up my Creami just because I'm chasing health goals.
This recipe came out of a very specific craving- that creamy, tangy, ice-cold Frosted Lemonade from Chick-fil-A that I look forward to every summer. It's one of those treats that really hits the spot on a hot Arizona afternoon.
I wanted all of that flavor without the added sugar, and I wanted it to actually work for my macros. So I got in the kitchen and started experimenting, and what came out of my Ninja Creami was honestly better than the original.
No added sugar. 33 grams of protein. 236 calories for the whole pint.
Yes, the whole pint.
What You'll Need
8 oz light lemonade (I use Trader Joe's — it's my favorite for this one)
1 scoop vanilla whey protein
113g fat free cottage cheese
½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It
This one could not be simpler, which is honestly part of why I love it so much.
Add all of your ingredients to a food processor and blend on the smoothie setting until everything is completely smooth. The cottage cheese is the secret weapon here — it gives the base that thick, creamy texture without adding fat or a ton of calories, and you won't taste it at all once it's blended.
Pour your mixture into your Ninja Creami pint cup and freeze for several hours — I usually make mine the night before so it's ready to go the next day.
When you're ready to enjoy it, process on the light ice cream setting. Once it's done, stir in a teaspoon or two of milk to help it get that extra creamy consistency, then process one more time.
Top with a little sugar-free Cool Whip if you want that full frosted lemonade experience — I almost always do — and enjoy every single bite guilt-free.
Nutrition Facts
(1 full pint)
Calories236
Protein33g
Carbs25.3g
Fat0g
A Few Notes
On the lemonade: I specifically use Trader Joe's light lemonade for this recipe. It gives you that bright, tart lemon flavor without loading up on sugar. If you can't find it, any light or zero sugar lemonade will work — just check the label and make sure it's one you actually like the taste of, because it's the star of the show here.
On the protein powder: I use vanilla whey for this one. A good quality vanilla whey blends seamlessly and adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemonade. If you only have unflavored, add a touch more vanilla extract and maybe a packet of your favorite zero-calorie sweetener.
On the cottage cheese: I know, I know. Trust me on this one. Fat free cottage cheese blended completely smooth is one of the best kept secrets in high protein cooking. You will not taste it and you will not regret it.
Why I Love This One
I talk a lot about eating like an athlete- fueling your body with enough of the right things to perform, recover, and actually feel good.
This Frosted Lemonade Creami is proof that you can hit your protein goals, stay on track with your nutrition, and still enjoy the foods that make summer feel like summer.
33 grams of protein in a pint of creamy frozen lemonade goodness. That's a win I'll take every single time.
If you're looking for more high protein recipes and nutrition strategies designed specifically for women in midlife, you're in the right place!