If you haven’t ever tried a cottage cheese smoothie, get ready to have your mind blown. TRUST ME. The cottage cheese provides a super creamy and luxurious texture, not to mention loads of protein, resulting in a smoothie that tastes far more like an indulgent treat than a healthy snack.
Cottage cheese protein smoothie (ditch the chalky powders!)
I often whip up smoothies as healthy snacks or breakfasts, but if I don’t add some sort of protein, we’re all starving an hour later. I don’t like protein powders, which I find universally chalky and/or overly sweet, and my kids aren’t big fans of nut butters (oh, the travesty!). I decided to experiment with cottage cheese in our smoothies, and wahoo!! (That’s my excited voice.) The cottage cheese gives the smoothies a huge protein boost, and, better yet, it creates a milkshake-like texture. Talk about a win-win! These strawberry smoothies are hands-down my kids’ favorite new “treat.” (Read: healthy snack, but don’t tell.)
What kind of cottage cheese should I use in smoothies?
You can either use a plain cottage cheese (such as Hood Country Style Cottage Cheese), or one that’s fruit-flavored. In this version I go for Hood Cottage Cheese with Strawberry to double up on the strawberry flavor (it’s also one of Juni’s favorite snacks on its own). As you might know by now, I consider cottage cheese a refrigerator staple, and I’m so happy to have partnered with Hood Cottage Cheese on this post (don't miss these other two cottage cheese favorites: one-pan vegetarian breakfast strata and easy ratatouille toasts!).
How do I make a cottage cheese smoothie?
This version is made with just a few ingredients, which all get blitzed up right in the blender:
- Milk of choice
- Banana
- Hood Cottage Cheese with Strawberry
- Frozen strawberries
- Vanilla extract
Since I use Hood Cottage Cheese with Strawberry I don’t have to add any additional sweeteners (!!), but if you use a plain cottage cheese, you can sweeten the smoothie to taste with honey or with a scoop of strawberry jam.
Make it into a milkshake
You can serve the smoothie just as it is, but to take it over the top I like to dress it up with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of crumbled freeze-dried strawberries (the kind you buy in bags at the store). It’s a seriously delicious snack that will make you feel like a kid at an ice cream parlor. Which is pretty much my idea of heaven.
Tips for making smoothies:
- When adding ingredients to the blender, it’s best to add the liquid first. The liquid will help the other ingredients to circulate around the blade.
- I’m in love with my Vitamix, which allows me to make thick smoothies and smoothie bowls, but any blender will work for this smoothie. If the smoothie is too thick to move around the blade, scrape the sides and add a touch more milk.
- Hood Cottage Cheese with Strawberry provides an extra boost of strawberry flavor and sweetness in this smoothie, but if you use a plain cottage cheese, sweeten the smoothie to taste using honey or strawberry jam.
- For other smoothie ideas, don’t miss these superfood smoothie bowls and these Blueberry Spinach Smoothie Bowls.
Thank you to Hood Cottage Cheese for sponsoring this post! I was compensated for this post, but all opinions and recipes are mine alone. Thank you to all of the companies who keep From Scratch Fast cooking!
Other smoothie recipes you might like:
- Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowls
- Low Sugar Green Smoothie
- Superfood Smoothie Bowls
- Blueberry Spinach Smoothie Bowls
Other cottage cheese recipes to try:
- Whipped Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip
- Healthy Summer Tartines
- Vegetarian Breakfast Strata
- Roasted Ratatouille Toasts
Watch the video!
Get the recipe!
Healthy Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- ½ medium banana
- 1 cup Hood Cottage Cheese with Strawberry
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender, and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Feel free to splash in some more milk if desired (I like it thick!).
Notes
- When adding ingredients to the blender, it’s best to add the liquid first. The liquid will help the other ingredients to circulate around the blade.
- If you use a plain cottage cheese, sweeten the smoothie to taste using honey or strawberry jam.
- I use a Vitamix to make this smoothie, but any blender will work! If the smoothie is too thick to move around the blade, scrape the sides and add a splash more milk.
I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!
*This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!
Amber Johnson says
I just used plain cottage cheese, and a whole banana. I did not add any sweetener. This was my first time using cottage cheese in a smoothie. It was pretty tasty! Thank you for the recipe!
Nicki Sizemore says
Thanks for your comment, Amber, and I'm glad you enjoyed!
Michelle Henley says
I love this receipe! I’ve made it 3 times this week! I used vanilla almond milk and a whole banana but other than that I kept it the same! Thanks so much for sharing!
Nicki Sizemore says
This makes me so happy to hear!!
Jennifer says
This is great! I didn’t have strawberry cottage cheese, but had a strawberry yogurt cup. I mixed it with regular cottage cheese, added the bananas and frozen strawberries. My toddler loves it and so do I!
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Jennifer, I’m so glad to hear! I love your hack of adding strawberry yogurt to the plain cottage cheese. 🙌😊
Cynthia says
Hi Nicki,
I will try this recipe but with coconut yoghurt instead of cottage cheese. I also will try your low sugar free smoothie as I have to restrict sugar and can only eat 2 servings of fruits per day as I have candida, crytococcus and leaky gut.
Many thanks 😊
Kind regards,
Cynthia
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Cynthia, let me know how it turns out! The green smoothie is also a great choice for low-sugar diets. In fact, I often make it without banana, using stevia to sweeten. Take care!!
Melanie says
I bought strawberry cottage cheese on a whim. After tasting it I realized I wouldn't be able to eat it alone & I didn't want to waste it either. I came across this recipe & so glad I did! Now I've used this recipe several times trying different combos of other fruit flavored cottage cheese & fruits. Also, I make mine with almond milk which makes it a bit healthier. Delicious!!
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Melanie, thank you for your comment, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the smoothie! Great tip about using almond milk and different fruit flavors. 🙂
Jav says
Hi! This sounds delicious. Can it be refrigerated over night?
Nicki Sizemore says
Thank you! The smoothie will melt in the refrigerator so won't be as thick, but it will still taste good (stir it well before drinking). Let me know if you give it a try!
Walt Dittrich says
I love the idea, but like others have stated, I'm worried about the calorie count and if this is really healthy... Guess I'll have to do the math! 🤷🏻♂️
Kaylee says
I didn’t try it yet, but by your reviews, I’m guessing it is good!
Nicki Sizemore says
Thanks so much, Kaylee, and I hope you enjoy!!
Rebecca says
This is the best tasting smoothie ever!!!!
Thank you soooooo much
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Rebeccca, I'm so happy you like the smoothie!!
Jessica says
Love this! Can you please estimate the calories per serving? I guessed 100 but am unsure. Very tasty.
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Jessica, I'm so glad you liked the smoothie!! I don't do calorie counts as a policy but I believe there are several tools online that you can use if you want to estimate!