Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Chocolate Strawberry Milkshake (Creamy, Cozy & Dessert-Worthy)

Sarah Smith
2 days ago
2 min read

Pink milkshake with whipped cream, topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry in a glass. Background: bowl of strawberries on white.

This Chocolate Strawberry Milkshake is thick, creamy, and indulgent, blending ripe strawberries with rich chocolate for a classic dessert-style drink that feels nostalgic and comforting. It’s smooth enough to sip but thick enough to feel like a true milkshake, perfect for Valentine’s Day, date night, or an easy sweet treat at home.

If you love chocolate-forward drinks, this pairs naturally with your Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie, while strawberry fans may also enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie or Creamy Berry Greek Yogurt Smoothie for lighter, everyday options. This one leans fully into dessert—but still comes together in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This

Rich chocolate flavor balanced with fresh strawberries
Thick, creamy milkshake texture
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Perfect for Valentine’s Day or dessert night at home
Easy to adapt for dairy-free or adult versions

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Servings: 2 milkshakes

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 420
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fat: 20 g
Sugar: 38 g

Ingredients

2 cups vanilla ice cream (about 260 g)
1 cup strawberries, hulled (150 g), fresh or frozen
½ cup milk (120 ml), plus more as needed
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup (45 ml)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Add the ice cream, strawberries, milk, chocolate syrup, and vanilla extract to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
Add a splash more milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if using.
Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra chocolate flavor, add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (5 g).
Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a richer milkshake.
Make it dairy-free by using dairy-free ice cream and almond or oat milk.
For an adult version, add 1–2 tablespoons of chocolate liqueur or Irish cream.
For a thicker shake, use frozen strawberries and reduce the milk slightly.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately for the creamiest texture.
You can blend and freeze leftovers in a sealed container, then re-blend with a splash of milk before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes. Frozen strawberries work well and make the milkshake thicker.

How do I make this less sweet? Use unsweetened milk and reduce the chocolate syrup to 1–2 tablespoons.

Can I add protein? Yes. Blend in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder and add extra milk as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Strawberry Milkshake is one of those simple treats that instantly feels special. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for sharing—whether you’re making a Valentine’s dessert at home or just craving something sweet and nostalgic after dinner.