This delicious protein-packed cottage cheese smoothie has a punchy blueberry flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. This is an outstanding way to start your morning, packed with natural protein and antioxidants from fresh berries.
If you love smoothies this blueberry cottage cheese smoothie is a great addition to your list of favorites. In addition to its delicious taste and ultra-creamy texture, this protein powerhouse has over 27 grams of protein making it the perfect way to start the day or finish a workout.
Looking for more tasty healthy smoothie recipes, You must try my Strawberry Banana Adaptogen Smoothie. It's made with frozen strawberries and bananas for a refreshing, cold and creamy texture. Be sure to also try my Banana Spinach Smoothie (AKA- The Best Green Smoothie). You'll be amazed at what magic happens when you blend a handful of spinach with frozen banana, vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, and almond milk.
You'll Love this Recipe
- It tastes like a fresh fruit blueberry cobbler – Blueberries and dates are key to the balanced, not-too-sweet, but blueberry-forward flavor of this easy cottage cheese smoothie.
- Super protein dense without adding a protein powder -A perfect way to hit your protein goals on busy days.
- Creamy and dreamy– the combination of oats and cottage cheese makes this smoothie decadently smooth and creamy.
- Easy– whether you are enjoying it as a healthy snack or a post-workout protein shake, this creamy smoothie comes together quickly with a few simple ingredients.
Let's Get Mixing!
Ingredients and Helpful Substitution Tips
Detailed measurements and ingredients can be found within the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Frozen Blueberries – I highly recommend using frozen blueberries in this smoothie.
- Plain cottage cheese – The base of this extra protein-rich smoothie
- Oats (quick or rolled) – Whirred up in a high-speed blender, the oats combine with the cottage cheese to create an ultra-creamy texture.
- Pitted dates – A little added dimension of sweetness. I like my protein shakes with layers of flavor.
- Cinnamon – A mild warming spice element adds complexity to the main ingredients.
- Chia seeds– For that hit of extra fiber (8 grams total in this smoothie!) and a healthy serving of good quality fat to increase satiety.
- Almond milk – You can use any milk that you prefer.
Tools
How to Make This Recipe
- Place all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Substitutions
- If blueberries are not your jam, replace them with fresh strawberries.
- Turn this into a smoothie bowl, adding in sliced fruit topping, nuts, granola, and a drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter.
- While I prefer full-fat cottage cheese, a reduced-fat or fat-free cottage cheese may also be used for this recipe.
Storage and Meal Prep -Make Ahead Tips
- STORAGE – This cottage cheese smoothie tastes best made fresh, but when testing this recipe I did make several batches that I stored in the fridge. (I have these glasses with lids that I love!) I happily drank the smoothie the next day but the flavors were a bit muddled and the smoothie was not as thick and creamy.
- MAKE AHEAD MEAL PREP TIPS – My best tip is to prepare little jars with the rolled oats, chia seeds, dates, and cinnamon measured and ready. This makes smoothie making a breeze, simply add blueberries, cottage cheese, ice and liquid and you are ready to go!
Abra's Nutrition Tip!
Why use cottage cheese in a smoothie?
I don't want to say “I told you so” but… I have been loving cottage cheese all along. When it was demonized as a 1950's “diet food” and everyone would turn their noses up at me saying… oh yuck cottage cheese. I persevered. And then tik tok decided cottage cheese was cool and here we are 😉
- Cottage cheese is packed with protein and is an excellent source of calcium. It's packed with vitamins like b-12 that support energy, essential nutrients, and minerals like phosphorus and potassium.
- The addition of cottage cheese makes this a great post-workout shake to restore glycogen and encourage muscle protein synthesis. That's good news if you want a blueberry smoothie with the power to enhance your fitness routine.
- The combination of cottage cheese and oats creates an excellent ratio of protein to carbohydrates, making this high protein smoothie an excellent quick snack when you need to power up for the day.
- Not everyone can tolerate protein powders. This is a very good option if you want to get a protein boost from a shake, without the addition of a protein powder. This is a great way to start your day with protein using a whole food source
- Due to the removal of whey protein during processing, cottage cheese comprises approximately 80% casein protein. This protein variant is characterized by a slower digestion rate, potentially fostering sensations of fullness and aiding in appetite regulation. Moreover, it may contribute to mitigating muscle breakdown following physical activity.
FAQ
I prefer an organic full-fat cottage cheese for its creamier texture and the absence of antibiotics and hormones such as (rbST). My favorite is Good Culture. It has a wonderful creamy texture and a balanced flavor that is neither too tart nor sour. Both small curd and large curd cottage cheese will work in this smoothie. Either way, this baby is taking a spin in a powerful blender.
Both cottage cheese and yogurt are healthy options providing, essential nutrients, high-quality protein, and digestively beneficial probiotics. Cottage cheese has the added benefit of more protein than yogurt while also containing less carbohydrates. If you don't like cottage cheese Greek yogurt is a great substitute.
Dietary Modifications
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian and not easily adaptable to other dietary preferences. I recommend using an alternative smoothie recipe. Search my healthy smoothie archives for the best fit.
I can’t wait for you to try this! When you make it, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @abrapappa or use the hashtag #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo!
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!
Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 High speed blender e.g. Vitamix
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp Oats (rolled or quick)
- 2 pitted dates
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 3 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy! You may need to add more liquid, I prefer a thick smoothie, adjust according to your preference.
Notes
- You may need to add more liquid, my preference is a thick smoothie, adjust the liquid to your preference.
- I find that exactly 3 ice cubes adds the perfect amount of cold without watering down the smoothie
- I highly recommend using frozen blueberries!
- If you aren't tolerant to oats or you prefer a grain free smoothie you can easily eliminate the oats.
Nutrition
Try These Healthy Breakfast Recipes:
Pumpkin Cookie Protein Smoothie
Elaine says
What type of cottage Cheese, 1% 2% or fat free?
Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN says
Hi Elaine, I use full fat cottage cheese 4%, but you can use any type you prefer
Andrea D says
So easy and delicious!
Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN says
Yay! So glad you loved the smoothie Andrea 🙂
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great combination of flavors!
Lydia says
The texture is so smooth and velvety and the blueberry flavor is just right, not too sweet not too tart. Yum! I turned it into a smoothie bowl and topped with sliced strawberries and nuts and it was so good! Such a nutritious and delicious way to start the day!
Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN says
Amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Gina says
So creamy and refreshing! I’d love to start the day more with this smoothie!
Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN says
Do it! Easy enough to make as well 🙂
Keri says
I’m always looking for new ways to get protein into my morning smoothies, and I’v never thought of cottage cheese! This tasted great and I’ve also already made a few of my own variations. Thanks for the great idea!
Jennifer says
I’m a smoothie-aholic but have never tried them with cottage cheese! I was pleasantly surprised that it was so creamy and delish. Loved the extra boost from the protein, too!
Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN says
I was also surprised the first time I tried it, and I love having a protein smoothie without always having to use a protein powder. So glad you enjoyed it Jennifer!
Nancy V says
Love this. It tastes as good as it looks.