If you're looking for a high-protein smoothie that doesn't require protein powder, you'll love this delicious Cottage Cheese Strawberry Smoothie! Naturally sweetened with extra ripe banana and fresh strawberries, this smoothie is a sweet and creamy treat that honestly tastes more like a milkshake than a typical smoothie!
The amount of cottage cheese in this recipe provides an incredible 20 + grams of protein, making it a great option for a post-workout snack or a filling breakfast. Plus, with its tangy and sweet flavor, this smoothie might even remind you of a slice of classic Strawberry Cheesecake!
And if you're a fan of this recipe, be sure to check out my Blended Cottage Cheese Ice Cream or Blueberry Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark my Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse recipe for another delicious and protein-packed treat!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- High in protein without the need for protein powder-- thanks to cottage cheese!
- Great way to use up ripe bananas!
- Calls for frozen strawberries which you can always have stocked in your freezer.
- Versatile - you can customize this recipe with different fruits or flavors. For example: add peanut butter!
- Creamy texture thanks to the cottage cheese, which also adds a slight tangy flavor that will remind you of cheesecake!
- Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast on-the-go.
- Makes a great post-workout snack or meal, as it contains the protein needed for muscle recovery and repair.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Buckwheat Crepes
- Pesto Quiche
- Oat Flour Pancakes
- Date Sweetened Breakfast Cookies
- Sugar Free Granola
Ingredients
- Banana - choose an overripe banana for extra sweetness. You can use fresh or frozen.
- Cottage Cheese - I choose to use 2% cottage cheese but you could choose whatever fat percentage meets your dietary needs.
- Strawberries - the recipe calls for frozen but of course, you could use fresh if you have them on hand! Using frozen strawberries will also help create a thick and frosty smoothie texture.
- Whole Milk - or swap for the milk of your choice! I also like to use goat milk whenever I have it.
- Honey or Maple Syrup - Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the strawberries and the tanginess of the cottage cheese. This ingredient is optional and can be omitted or adjusted based on your preference for sweetness.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
I have not experimented with any other substitutions or alterations for this recipe. If you decide to make any changes by adding or substituting ingredients, I would love it if you could share your results with us by leaving a comment below.
- Substitute the frozen strawberries with any other frozen fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese if that's what you have in your fridge.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale for some extra nutrients and fiber. You can also add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.
- Top with granola, sliced almonds, or shredded coconut for some added crunch.
- Make it a smoothie bowl by pouring the blended mixture into a bowl and topping with sliced fruit, nuts, and granola.
- Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for some healthy fats and fiber.
Expert Tips
- Use frozen strawberries and frozen banana to achieve a thick ice cream consistency if that's what you love!
- Taste the smoothie before serving and adjust the sweetness and texture to your preference. If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid (milk or water) until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too tart, add more honey or maple syrup.
- If your blender is not very powerful, consider blending the ingredients in stages, starting with the liquid and softest ingredients first, and gradually adding the harder ingredients.
- Boost the nutrition in this smoothie with ingredients such as chlorophyll, camu camu powder, a scoop of collagen, probiotic powder etc.
Recipe FAQs
Cottage cheese is lower in lactose than some other types of cheese, but it still contains some lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, you may be able to tolerate small amounts of cottage cheese. However most grocery stores also sell a lactose free version of cottage cheese.
Yes, cottage cheese is high in protein, with an average of 14 grams of protein per half-cup serving.
This smoothie would provide approximately 21 grams of protein.
If you tried this Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
More Cottage Cheese Recipes
- 23+ Cottage Cheese Desserts
- Blueberry Cottage Cheese Popsicles
- Blended Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
- Dill Pickle Cottage Cheese Dip
- 30+ Cottage Cheese Recipes for Breakfast
- 10+ Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipes
- High Protein Cottage Cheese Quiche
- 40+ High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes
Recipe
Cottage Cheese Strawberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ an overripe banana
- ¾ cup cottage cheese 2%
- ½ cup sliced frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup whole milk or milk of your choice
- 3 ice cubes
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Start by adding ½ cup sliced frozen strawberries , ½ an overripe banana , ¾ cup cottage cheese , ¼ cup whole milk and 3 ice cubes to a blender.½ an overripe banana, ¾ cup cottage cheese, ½ cup sliced frozen strawberries, ¼ cup whole milk, 3 ice cubes
- Optional: Also add 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Blend all the ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy.
- Check the consistency of the smoothie, and if it's too thick, you can add a bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the smoothie is blended and smooth, pour it into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use frozen strawberries and frozen banana to achieve a thick ice cream consistency if that's what you love!
- Taste the smoothie before serving and adjust the sweetness and texture to your preference.
- If your blender is not very powerful, consider blending the ingredients in stages, starting with the liquid and softest ingredients first, and gradually adding the harder ingredients.
Nutrition
If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went! Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!
‘Til next time,
Christy
Grammye says
Delish. Maybe I will try those other suggestions too. I don’t think you can go wrong with this one. And people, if you don’t like cottage cheese (😣 texture) you’ll love the smooth creaminess. Blender takes care of that for you.
karol says
do you happen to have diabetic recipes?.
Christy Faber says
I have lots of recipes that may be suitable for some diabetics (like my date sweetened cookies or cottage cheese icecream) but I don't specialize in diabetic recipes.
karol says
do a blender have to be used or can it be beaten by hands.
Christy Faber says
A blender or an immersion blender can be used. A food processor could be used in a pinch but whisking by hand would not work. Hope that helps!
Lisa J. says
Delicious!! Refreshing on hot day
Adrian Faber says
Had this smoothie trying to find a refreshing way to get protein after a workout. It tastes amazing, is filling, and is healthy!