This berry cottage cheese smoothie with extra protein is creamy, fruity, and surprisingly refreshing. Cottage cheese blends right into the berries for a smooth texture, while Greek yogurt, banana, and protein powder help make it more filling than a basic fruit smoothie. It is a quick high protein smoothie for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a simple afternoon blend when you want something cold and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 medium banana
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 3/4 cup milk, dairy or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1/2 cup ice, optional for a thicker smoothie
How To Make It
Add the milk to the blender first. This helps the blades move easily and keeps the smoothie from getting stuck at the bottom.
Add the frozen mixed berries, banana, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, protein powder, and honey if you want a sweeter flavor. If you like a thicker, frostier smoothie, add the ice too.
Blend on high for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Cottage cheese can look chunky at first, but it blends down beautifully when paired with enough liquid and soft fruit.
Check the texture before pouring. If the smoothie is too thick, add 1 to 3 tablespoons of extra milk and blend again. If it is too thin, add a few more frozen berries or a little extra ice.
Pour into a tall glass and enjoy right away while it is cold, bright, and creamy.
Tips
Use frozen berries for the best thick smoothie texture. Fresh berries work too, but you may want to add more ice to keep the smoothie chilled.
Choose small-curd or whipped cottage cheese if you are nervous about texture. Either one blends easily and gives the smoothie a creamy base without a strong flavor.
Vanilla protein powder pairs especially well with berries and banana, but unflavored protein powder also works if you prefer a less sweet smoothie.
For a sweeter smoothie, use a ripe banana or add the honey. For a tangier smoothie, skip the sweetener and use plain Greek yogurt.
If your blender is less powerful, blend the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and milk first, then add the fruit and protein powder.
Blend it up and enjoy every berry-bright sip!