Protein thandai, dahi bhalla and mini paan kulfis: Fitness influencer gives fun tw to recipes that you can try at your Holi party this year | Food-wine News

3 min readNew DelhiMar 4, 2026 07:00 PM Holi 2026 is almost here, bringing with it vibrant colours, fun gatherings and tables full of festive favourites. From creamy thandai to dahi bhalla and indulgent gujhiya, food is central to the celebrations. But for those who track and prioritise protein intake, how can they enjoy the festivities just as much as the rest?
Offering a possible middle path, fitness influencer Vanshika Khurana shared three Holi recipes on Instagram: one drink, one savoury dish, and one dessert, designed to stay festive while staying macro-conscious.
Her protein thandai, a tw on the traditional Holi drink, contains 18.5 grams of protein per serving and 221 calories. “I’m blending the soaked makhana with nuts, spices, anjeer, protein powder and milk. I’ve used the vanilla protein powder,” she mentioned.
The low-calorie dahi bhalla swaps fried lentil dumplings for softened makhana and combines Greek yoghurt, spices, monkfruit extract, and chutneys for flavour. According to her, the recipe delivers 15 grams of protein and around 220 calories per serving, positioning it as a lighter savoury option for party spreads.
For dessert, Khurana suggests mini-paan kulfis, which she says contain only 45 calories each. She explains, “Just blend everything soaked in milk with the paan patta, gulkand and protein powder. Set it in an ice cube tray, and they come out so, so cute.”

Here are the exact recipes

Recipe

Calories & Protein

Ingredients

Method

Protein Thandai
221 kcal18.5 g protein per serve(2 serves)
Almonds – 6Cashews – 5Roasted makhana – 15–20Poppy seeds – 2 tspFennel seeds – 1 tspBlack peppercorns – 4 pcsGreen cardamom – 4 podsCinnamon stick – 1Saffron – 3–4 strandsAnjeer – 1/2 (optional)Toned milk – 250 mlWarm water – 3 tbspOziva Plant Protein (Vanilla) – 1 scoop
1. Soak roasted makhanas in water for a few minutes.2. Infuse saffron in a little milk.3. Blend soaked makhanas with saffron milk, nuts, spices, vanilla protein powder, and milk.4. Serve chilled.

Low-Calorie Dahi Bhalla
~220 kcal~15 g protein(2 serves)
Greek yoghurt – 180 gWater – 50–60 mlRed chilli powder – 1/4 tspAamchur – 1/2 tspBlack salt – 1/4 tspJeera powder – 1/2 tspChaat masala – 1 tspMonkfruit extract – 2 tspMakhana – 30 gBoiling waterToppings:Green chutney – 1 tbspImli chutney – 1 tbspPomegranate seeds – 1 tbspExtra chaat masala + red chilli powderSev (optional)
1. Mix yoghurt, water, spices, and monkfruit extract until smooth.2. Roast makhana until crispy. Soak in boiling water for 4–5 minutes.3. Add softened makhana to yogurt mixture and soak 20–30 minutes.4. Add toppings and serve.

Mini Paan Kulfis
45 kcal each
Makhana – 30 gMelon seeds – 10 gCardamom pods – 2Cashews – 10Rolled oats – 15 gLow-fat milk – 300 mlPaan leaves – 4 (medium)Gulkand – 20 gPlant Protein (Vanilla) – 1 scoopChopped almonds – 10 g
1. Soak makhanas, spices, seeds, nuts, and oats in milk.2. Blend with paan leaves, gulkand, and vanilla protein powder.3. Add chopped almonds to kulfi moulds.4. Pour the mixture over the almonds.5. Freeze overnight. Serve chilled.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.