This light strawberry-pistachio mousse is proof that dessert doesn’t need to be heavy to feel indulgent. Blending strawberries with Greek yoghurt, it’s naturally sweet, softly set, and topped with crushed pistachios for contrast. The texture is smooth and airy, with just enough richness to satisfy without weighing you down. Perfect as a make-ahead treat or a refreshing end to a warm-weather meal, this mousse skips the refined sugar and cream in favour of simple ingredients that let the flavours shine. It’s elegant enough for guests and easy enough for a weekday.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3):
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1 ½ cups ripe strawberries, hulled
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½ cup full-fat Greek yoghurt (or coconut yoghurt for dairy-free)
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1–2 tsp maple syrup or raw honey (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract or ¼ tsp ground cardamom
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1 ½ tsp powdered gelatin or agar-agar
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2 tbsp cold water
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2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios, for topping
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Extra lemon zest or freeze-dried strawberry powder to garnish
Method:
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Blend the strawberries, yoghurt, lemon juice, vanilla, and sweetener until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
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Bloom the gelatin in the cold water for 5 minutes.
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Gently heat the bloomed gelatin over low heat until dissolved. Make sure not to boil it.
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Add the gelatin to the strawberry mixture and blend again briefly to fully incorporate.
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Pour into small glasses, ramekins, or jars and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, until softly set.
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Sprinkle generously with crushed pistachios. Add a little lemon zest or a pinch of freeze-dried strawberry powder for a brighter finish.
The Recipe’s Health Benefits:
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Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols, strawberries help fight oxidative stress and support skin health and immune function. They’re also naturally anti-inflammatory and may help regulate blood sugar thanks to their fibre content.
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Greek Yoghurt: A great source of protein and gut-supportive probiotics, full-fat Greek yoghurt also delivers calcium, B vitamins, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may support metabolic health. It helps create that creamy texture while supporting digestion and satiety.
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Maple Syrup or Raw Honey: Used sparingly, both add natural sweetness with trace minerals and a gentler impact on blood sugar compared to refined sugar. Honey also has mild antimicrobial properties.
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Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C and citric acid, lemon supports collagen production, skin clarity, and digestion. Its acidity also balances the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
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Pistachios: These vibrant green nuts bring in healthy fats, vitamin E, plant-based protein, and compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. They also help stabilise blood sugar and add satisfying crunch.
