Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie (High Protein!)

Why Is This Cottage Cheese Smoothie So Good?

• 30g+ of protein: Depending on your cottage cheese and milk choice, it packs between 29–31 grams of protein.
• No banana needed: Skip the banana and still get a naturally creamy texture.
• Customizable sweetness: Add your favorite sweetener, or leave it out.
• Simple ingredients: Just strawberries, cottage cheese, milk, and a few extras.
• Totally flexible: Mix in chia seeds, nut butter, protein powder, or even greens.
• Meal prep–friendly: Make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

How to Make a Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie

Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make this easy, creamy smoothie with cottage cheese and strawberries (no banana).

Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box 👇

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie Ingredient Notes

• Strawberries: Use either fresh or frozen strawberries. Frozen will make your smoothie colder and thicker, while fresh gives a lighter, juicier texture.
• Cottage Cheese: This is the secret ingredient that makes the smoothie creamy and full of protein. Use full-fat for a rich texture, or low-fat/fat-free for a lighter version.
• Milk of Choice: Any milk works here—almond, oat, soy, coconut, regular dairy or even water for ligher version.

Pro Tips

I’ve made this healthy strawberry smoothie with cottage cheese more times than I can count, and these tips guarantee a foolproof result:

• Use fresh strawberries for a lighter, juicier smoothie with a more vibrant flavor—especially when strawberries are in season, it’s the perfect way to enjoy them at their peak.
• Use frozen strawberries for a thicker consistency without needing banana.
• Blend thoroughly: Cottage cheese can be lumpy, so make sure to blend until completely smooth—at least 30–60 seconds.
• Adjust sweetness at the end: Taste first before adding sweetener. Some strawberries are sweet enough on their own!
• Want a thicker smoothie? Use less liquid, use frozen strawberries, add frozen banana, avocado, and a scoop of protein powder.

Trust me, this is one of those smoothie recipes my audience always loves—whether for a post-workout, weight loss meal, or just a quick breakfast on the go.

Substitutes and Variations

This strawberry cottage cheese smoothie is super flexible. Here are some fun and functional swaps:

• No Cottage Cheese? Use Greek yogurt, ricotta, or silken tofu for a similar protein boost.
• No Milk? Water works for a lighter version. You can also try plant-based options like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
• Low Sugar or Sugar-Free: Keep it plain or add stevia or monk fruit to keep it low-carb and sugar free.
• Strawberry Swaps: No strawberries? Try blueberries, raspberries, mango, or a mix of frozen berries.
• Add-ins: Toss in a scoop of protein powder, chia seeds, a spoonful of peanut butter, some flaxseeds, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrients.

Delicious Add-Ins to Customize Your Smoothie

One of the best things about this strawberry cottage cheese smoothie is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re looking to boost nutrition, add texture, or change the flavor profile, these healthy smoothie add-ins make it fun and functional. Here are some of my favorite ways to level it up:

• Nut or Seed Butter: Add 1–2 tablespoons of almond butter, homemade peanut butter, or cashew butter for a richer, creamier smoothie and an extra 3–6g of protein. It also makes it more satisfying!
• Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: Toss in a teaspoon or two to boost fiber, omega-3s, and protein. Bonus: chia seeds help thicken the smoothie if you let it sit for a few minutes.
• Protein Powder: Vanilla, strawberry, or unflavored protein powder works best here. One scoop adds around 15–20g of protein—perfect for turning this into a serious post-workout shake.
• Hemp Seeds: Add 1–2 tablespoons of hemp hearts for a nutty taste and around 3g of protein per tablespoon.
• Rolled Oats: Want a more filling, breakfast-style smoothie? Add 2–3 tablespoons of rolled oats. They’ll add fiber, some extra protein, and help thicken the drink.
• Fresh Herbs or Spices: Try a few mint leaves, a touch of cinnamon, or a tiny piece of fresh ginger for extra freshness and flavor.

How to Store

This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but here are a few tips if you want to save it:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container or a mason jar for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking.
• Freezer: Not recommended—freezing changes the texture of dairy-based smoothies.
• Meal Prep Tip: Blend everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge for your next post-workout snack or breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions