Strawberry Lassi

Homemade strawberry lassi is a healthy drink easily made in 5 minutes and with a handful of ingredients.  

This thick, frothy classic Indian yogurt drink is perfect to pair with Indian dishes or just enjoy or a hot day!

It is a simple recipe that uses whole milk yogurt which is mixed with milk or water a few other ingredients to become a refreshing, easy drink. The top of the lassi is usually frothy. 

Here’s a quick video:

There are many types of lassi.  Sweet versions include Mango Lassi, Sweet Lassi Recipe, Rose Lassi, Kesar Lassi, and Banana Lassi.

Salty lassi, Mint Lassi, and Masala Lassi are savory, popular lassi options!

Ingredient Notes

All you need is 4 main ingredients to make this refreshing strawberry yogurt drink.

Below are ingredient notes. Full ingredients and directions are in the printable recipe card at the end of the post. 

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries always work best.  Look for ripe, juicy strawberries.  You can use frozen if that is what you have on hand, too.

Use plenty of strawberries for the perfect treat!

Yogurt: The main ingredient is yogurt / curd.  The creamier, thicker lassi you want, the higher fat content yogurt you should use.  I recommend using full-fat whole milk plain yogurt or Greek Yogurt.  If I want a delicious rich lassi, I go all out and use Fage 5% Greek Yogurt. 

Milk or Water: Similar to above, if you want a creamier lassi, use whole milk.  If you’d like a lighter version, use 2% milk or water.

Sugar:  A little sugar is needed but the amount can vary dependent on how sweet your strawberries are and your preference for sweetener.

In place of sugar, use your favorite sweetener.

 Ice Cubes:  Optional if you plan on chilling the lassi but I think it tastes more “restaurant style” if blended in, especially if you are making a very thick lassi.

If I’m making this for a party or want a creamier, restaurant style lassi, add in half and half or heavy cream for a richer taste (optional).

Vegan Strawberry Lassi

This can be made vegan by substituting dairy milk and yogurt for vegan alternatives.  

I recommend creamy oat milk (I use Planet Oat if you are US based) or any creamy vegan milk and your favorite plain plant-based yogurt.

Variations

You can change up the base of this lassi by adding a little additional flavor.

Some ideas are:

1. Cardamom powder: ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder is a delicious complementary flavor to strawberry.  You can also alternatively sprinkle a tiny bit on the top when serving.  You get a beautiful aroma of cardamom when taking a sip.

2. Rose water:  Strawberry and rose are a delight together! It adds a light floral taste.  Start with one – two teaspoons and taste and adjust.  Some rose water brands are stronger than others.  

You can also use rose syrup.

3. Mint: I love this during the summer! Add a handful of mint leaves when pureeing the strawberries.

4. Basil: Fresh basil another delightful flavor in the summertime for a fun twist.

5. Fruits: Add in pineapple, peach, fresh berries, or mango pulp for some fruity flavors!

6. Saffron: Adding saffron strands gives a slightly different taste.  Be sure to give the saffron time to bloom for the best taste.

Preparation  

1. Wash strawberries.  Cut off green tops.  Slice strawberries into halves.

2. Add strawberry halves to a blender jar and blend into a smooth puree.  I had 1 cup of strawberry puree.

Making Strawberry Lassi

1. Place puree, milk, yogurt, sugar, and ice cubes (if using into jar).  You can also add in other optional mix-ins such as cardamom powder now (see notes).  Blend.

2. Pour lassi into serving glasses.  Optionally garnish with strawberry slices, pistachio pieces, or a little sprinkle of cardamom powder.

Tips

Traditionally a wooden churner is used to mix the drink and make it frothy. But don’t worry the blender gets it nice and frothy too.

You can play around with the amount of water/milk as well to make a thicker lassi.  Less water and ice cubes will still result in a yummy drink.

1. If you want a thick, creamy restaurant style lassi, go with all higher fat content ingredients.  For example, whole milk, whole milk plain yogurt, half & half and sugar. You’ll get the same taste as you get in Indian restaurant.

2. If you want a middle of the road lassi, mix and match.  Maybe you will use whole milk yogurt, water, half and half (for a tiny bit of creaminess) and sugar.

3. Or, you could go for a lighter version.  In that case, maybe you will pick a low-fat yogurt, water and sugar.

Storing

 Lassi is best enjoyed cold and fresh, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days/.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional lassi, like Sweet Lassi, is a cooling balance to Indian food.

Cold lassi is usually served in tall glasses at restaurants. Traditionally they are often served in clay cups and made in earthen pots.

Salt lassi goes along with any Indian cuisine and can be served year round.  It is especially a refreshing drink to serve on hot days.  It’s a great way to finish an Indian dinner or spicy meal.

It is also a fasting/vrat friendly drink!

Have you tried this creamy, sweet Strawberry Lassi? If so, I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a comment and rate it with stars. It would mean a lot to me to hear how it turned out. If you’re on Instagram, feel free to tag me so I can see your creation. Thank you for your support!