Cottage Cheese Protein Shake

A high protein smoothie with no protein powder. This cottage cheese protein shake makes a delicious healthy snack that’s quick to make. You’ll also love my balanced blueberry muffin smoothie, chocolate peanut butter shake, and pineapple blueberry smoothie.

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As a dietitian, I love smoothies and I love cottage cheese even more.

And that’s why I’m obsessed with this delicious cottage cheese protein shake. It’s loaded with nutrition from nourishing ingredients like berries, banana, milk, and cottage cheese. And it’s high in satiating protein without a drop of protein powder.

If you’re looking to eat healthier but you’re sick of recipes with expensive powders, this one is for you. Enjoy this nutrient-dense and balanced smoothie for your next breakfast or snack.

Why you’ll love this cottage cheese protein shake

There’s so many reasons to love this delicious protein smoothie made with cottage cheese.

No protein powder: You’re getting 20 grams of protein without any protein powder.

Quick and easy: You can make this simple protein shake with just five ingredients and five minutes.

Gluten-free: If you’re sensitive to gluten or wheat, this recipe happens to be naturally gluten-free.

Ingredient notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cottage cheese smoothie.

Cottage cheese: This is the main protein source for this recipe. For better taste, I recommend comparing labels and choosing a lower sodium cottage cheese. You can use low fat cottage cheese or whole milk, depending on your preferences and nutritional goals.

Milk: I love using cow’s milk or soy milk for the extra protein, but you do you! Plant-based alternatives like almond milk, cashew milk, and oat milk work great too. You could also use water or juice, but this will change the nutrition and taste.

Berries: Use fresh or frozen. I like frozen mixed berries, but you could also just use raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries on their own.

Banana: I recommend using half a ripe banana for some sweetness without an overpowering banana taste. If you don’t love banana, use another sweet fruit like mango or pineapple.

Ground flaxseed: This adds some healthy fats and dietary fiber. You can substitute this for chia seeds and/or hemp hearts, and you’re welcome to add an extra tablespoon.

Honey (optional): For a little extra sweetness. If you’re using a low sodium cottage cheese, I don’t find the protein shake needs this… but adjust to your taste.

Step-by-step instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender.

Blend until smooth, about 30-45 seconds. Scrape down the sides as needed. Taste, and adjust liquid and sweetener as desired before serving.

Dietary restrictions

• Lactose free — use lactose-free milk and cottage cheese
• Lower sodium — choose lower sodium cottage cheese
• No added sugar — skip the honey

What else can I add?

For more protein, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts.

Add more fiber with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or a few tablespoons of oats.

You can also add vegetables to this cottage cheese protein shake with frozen zucchini, frozen cauliflower, or fresh spinach.

Try adding different fruits like fresh or frozen peaches, golden kiwi, or orange slices.

Or, add a bit more flavor with shredded coconut, pitted dates, or almond butter.

The best milk to use in a cottage cheese smoothie

You can use any milk you like in this recipe!

For a higher protein option, use low fat cow’s milk or soy milk. If you’d prefer something lower in calories, try almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. You could also use water, but it’s less flavorful.

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• Ground flaxseed

Meal prep instructions

I don’t recommend blending the smoothie in advance, because it can separate as it sits in the fridge.

Instead, I recommend adding all your ingredients to your blender cup in advance. Then, store it in the fridge, unblended. When you’re ready to eat, blend and enjoy!

Can I use Greek yogurt instead?

Sure! Feel free to swap cottage cheese for vanilla or plain Greek yogurt in this protein shake.

I’d recommend looking for a Greek yogurt with little to no added sugar to keep this recipe balanced and blood sugar friendly.

Top tips

You may wish to adjust the consistency of your cottage cheese smoothie.

If you want a thinner smoothie, use fresh fruit and/or add 1/4 cup more liquid. For a thicker smoothie, use frozen fruit and/or start with 1/4 cup less liquid. Taste, and adjust as needed.

I also recommend using a smaller blender or one with a blender cup. Because this cottage cheese protein shake is single serve, there’s not enough volume to blend properly in a big blender.