Say hello to a Cottage Cheese Smoothie recipe that will keep you full, fueled, and focused. It’s packed with protein, fresh banana, and frozen berries for a creamy and refreshing breakfast or snack. No protein powder needed!
Cottage cheese is STILL having a moment and I am here for it!
If you’re not a fan of eating cottage cheese on its own, blending it into recipes is the perfect way to reintroduce this powerhouse food into your diet. My Cottage Cheese Waffles are a huge hit with the whole family and Blueberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a delicious healthy and high-protein treat.
And if you’re looking for another family favorite? Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a winner as well.
But let’s get going with this smoothie recipe!
Recipe Highlights:
- High protein smoothie that makes a perfect grab-and-go breakfast, healthy snack, or post-workout snack!
- The combination of cottage cheese, fruit, a touch of honey, and vanilla tastes like cheesecake in a glass.
- Endlessly customizable as you can change up the fruit, add veggies, or make it more protein forward.
- It’s a quick snack for those busy days and a great source of protein.
Recipe Notes:
Is there anything cottage cheese can’t do?! This cottage cheese fruit smoothie requires 6 simple ingredients, including:
- ripe bananas – one small banana adds creaminess, extra fiber, and all that potassium. You can also use frozen banana slices if you already have some in your freezer. Just note you’ll likely need extra liquid.
- frozen mixed berries – I love a cherry berry blend for extra tartness, but raspberries, frozen strawberries, and blackberries all work.
- cottage cheese – go for full fat plain cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture. Check out Types of Cottage Cheese below for more.
- milk of choice – I used soy milk, but you can use unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or regular cow’s milk.
- raw honey – honey adds a touch of sweetness. You can also try pure maple syrup, one Medjool date, or omit the sweetener altogether.
- vanilla extract or powder – for that sweet hint of vanilla.
Find the full detailed instructions with measurements in the recipe card below, at the end of this post.
Types of Cottage Cheese
There are many different cottage cheese varieties on grocery store shelves, but in my experience, the kind of cottage cheese that works best is full-fat cottage cheese (4% milkfat). It makes a creamier smoothie with more protein. Low fat cottage cheese (1-2%) will also work, but it won’t be as creamy.
The type of cottage cheese you use is all about personal preference, and the types available will depend on where you reside. Midwest regions have brands like Kemp’s and Country Dairy. And there are other national brands like Daisy, Good Culture, Nancy’s, and Organic Valley.
QUICK TIP: both small curd and large curd will work, but small curd makes a creamier smoothie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now is the time to let the blender do all the work for you! Here are the step-by-step instructions:
1
Add to Blender
In a high-speed blender, add banana, berries, cottage cheese, milk, honey, and vanilla.
2
Blend
Blend until smooth, starting on low and gradually increasing to high, about 1 minute.
Taste test and double check the sweetness and consistency is to your liking.
3
Drink Up!
Pour the cottage cheese blend into a glass. Top with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruit. Enjoy!
Potential Smoothie Boosters
What I love most about this smoothie (besides all that protein) is that you can add, subtract, or mix and match different flavors to suit your dietary needs. Try out any of these to give your smoothie a boost:
- Different fruits: Change up the fruit with a triple berry blend, frozen peaches, or tropical fruits like pineapple or mango.
- Sprinkle of chia seeds / flax seeds / hemp hearts: Give your smoothie a boost of healthy fats, including those omega-3’s.
- Leafy greens: Toss in a handful of baby spinach for some added greens.
- Frozen veggies: Toss in frozen cauliflower rice for extra creaminess without altering the flavor.
- Nut butter: Throw in a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for extra richness and nutty flavor.
- Amp up the protein: If you are a fan of protein powder, add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder. Make sure to add more liquid since protein powders soak up moisture.
Recipe Tips
Here are some blending tips so you get the best cottage cheese smoothie:
- Don’t like cottage cheese? Replace it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt instead.
- Make it a smoothie bowl by using less liquid or try adding another 1/2 of a banana to make it a scoop-able consistency.
- Adjust consistency: If you want a thicker smoothie, add a handful of ice cubes OR less milk by about 1/4 cup. If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add more milk.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the best cottage cheese to use?
Small curds full-fat cottage cheese (4% milkfat) produces the best smoothie texture. 2% works as well though.
Is cottage cheese healthier than yogurt?
When compared to one another, cottage cheese contains more protein and less carbs than yogurt (specifically Greek yogurt). However, both are a cultured dairy product that are healthy options with ample protein and probiotics.
How much protein in one smoothie?
One serving of this cottage cheese smoothie has 14 grams of protein!
Is cottage cheese good in a smoothie?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese in smoothies works so well because it already pairs well with fruit. If you are a lover of cheesecake, you are going to love this one!
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If you make this Cottage Cheese Smoothie recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating on the blog! I love hearing from you, and it helps others learn more about the recipe too. Xx Ashley
Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 small banana, heaping 1/2 cup chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen berries, I like a cherry berry blend
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup milk of choice, I used soy
- 1/2 tablespoon raw honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder, or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust consistency if needed. If the smoothie is too thin, you can add ice to thicken. If it's too thin, add more milk.
- Pour smoothie into a glass. Top with toppings, if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
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photography by: Monica Stevens Le
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