This Cottage Cheese Smoothie is thick, creamy, and full of sweet, citrusy, fruity flavor. With over 18 grams of protein, it makes for a quick and easy breakfast, snack, pre- or post-workout fuel, or even dessert. No protein powder required!
I first started adding cottage cheese to a smoothie over a decade ago, back when my husband was racing professionally. Protein powders and shaker bottles weren’t always in the mix—we actually had the time (and kitchen access!) to blend up a smoothie at home using real food staples.
Cottage cheese and yogurt were my go-to protein sources—especially cottage cheese, thanks to its rich amino acid profile and slow-digesting casein. The only issue? Cottage cheese on its own never quite agreed with me. After some experimenting, I found the sweet spot: a high-protein, no-powder smoothie that felt light, satisfying, and easy on digestion.
A mix of fiber from banana, berries, and flaxseed—plus a hit of vitamin C and natural acidity from citrus—helps support gut function and makes the slower-digesting casein from cottage cheese easier to tolerate. It’s a combo that works with my body, not against it. That’s what I call digestive synergy.
Ingredients and Their Benefits
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete ingredients, instructions, and nutrition information!
- Cottage Cheese – The base of the smoothie! Cottage cheese is a casein-rich protein, which digests slowly and helps keep you full. I recommend using full-fat or 2% cottage cheese for the richest flavor and a creamy texture.
Nutrition Tip – Look for organic cottage cheese and/or cottage cheese that contains live and active cultures, offering probiotic support for gut balance. I love using Good Culture.
- Frozen Banana (Substitutes below)- This enhances the sweetness and contributes to the creamy consistency, creating a soothing base that supports regularity and balances the acidity of the citrus and protein.
- Frozen Fruit – Use any combination of frozen berries you like best—like raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries. These fiber-rich fruits also contain polyphenols that support digestion and overall gut health.
- Orange – Oranges bring more than just brightness. They’re rich in vitamin C and soluble fiber, both of which support gut health. Plus, vitamin C enhances nutrient absorption, including iron from the flax or oats if you add those in.
- Non-Dairy Milk – I use almond milk, but any non-dairy milk, such as coconut milk, oat milk, or hemp milk, will work. It keeps the blend light and dairy-balanced if you’re using full-fat cottage cheese.
- Flaxseed – This is great for digestion. It’s rich in soluble and insoluble fiber and omega-3 fats, helping to move things along and support a healthy gut lining. Combined with the protein in cottage cheese, flax helps balance the smoothie’s texture and makes it easier on the digestive system.
How to Make A Fruit and Cottage Cheese Smoothie
With minimal prep time, this recipe comes together with a total time of just a few minutes!
- Combine. Add all the ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Adjust. Add more milk for a thinner consistency, or include more fruit for a thicker, shake-like smoothie.
- Enjoy! Pour the mixture into a glass and top with optional berries. Or, store for later (See recipe card or tips below)
Smoothie Pack Tip: To prep ahead, add the freezer-friendly ingredients—like sliced frozen banana, frozen berries, peeled orange or frozen orange juice cubes, flaxseed, and any optional oats or protein powder—to a freezer-safe bag. Skip the cottage cheese, milk, and lemon juice for now, as they don’t freeze well and can affect texture. When you’re ready, just blend with the cottage cheese, milk, and lemon juice (if using).
Possible Mix-Ins and Variations
- Protein – For extra protein, add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder or collagen. I recommend using plain or vanilla flavored protein for the best taste.
- Gluten-Free Oats – For added carbs, fiber, and a thicker texture, incorporate gluten-free oats.
- Instead of Banana – Omit the banana completely. Just note that the smoothie won’t be as thick or creamy. Alternatively, you can add oats to make up for the carbs or more berries achieve a similar consistency
- Chia seeds – Not a fan of flax seeds? Use chia seeds instead. Or, try adding avocado. Both will help thicken the smoothie as well as add healthy fats and fiber.
- Greens – Add extra fiber with a handful of baby spinach. No one will taste it!
- Sweetener – Add honey or maple syrup for an even sweeter high-protein smoothie.
- Instead of Cottage Cheese – Replace the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt, if preferred.
- Bowl – Create a thick smoothie, and pour the liquid into a bowl. Then, add toppings like maple buckwheat granola, coconut flakes, fresh fruit, peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter for a smoothie bowl.
More of Our Favorite
Smoothie Recipes
Fruit & Cottage Cheese Smoothie Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1–2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A protein-packed smoothie made without protein powder. Creamy, fruity, and perfectly balanced—thanks to the blend of cottage cheese, fiber, and citrus. Great for post-workout fuel or a quick, nourishing breakfast.
Ingredients
- ⅓ to ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or 2% for optimal creaminess and protein)
- 1 small frozen banana (approximately ½ cup sliced) – see notes for substitutions
- 1 to 1 ¼ cups frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, or a combination)
- 1 small orange, peeled – or ⅓ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon flaxseed or flax meal
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness
- Optional Mix-Ins: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or collagen, 1-2 tablespoons gluten-free oats (for added energy and thickness).
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the consistency as needed.
- Add more milk for a thinner smoothie or add more frozen fruit, ice, or oats for a thicker consistency.
- Serve immediately or store leftover smoothie in a sealed glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Shake or stir well before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Notes
Substitutes: If you’d rather skip the banana, you can leave it out or replace it with 2 tablespoons of gluten-free oats. The oats will help maintain a similar texture while still adding some fiber and carbs. If you leave out the banana without a substitute, just keep in mind the texture will be less creamy and not as thick. Chia seeds may be used in place of flaxseed for a similar nutritional benefit and texture.
Protein Additions: Although this smoothie is naturally rich in protein due to the cottage cheese, feel free to add vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides for an extra boost, especially for post-workout recovery.
Freezer Option– Pour blended smoothie into ice cube trays and freeze. Re-blend frozen cubes with a splash of milk when ready to enjoy.
Smoothie Pack Prep: Add all ingredients (except cottage cheese, milk, and optional lemon juice) to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze, then blend with milk and cottage cheese when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: drink
- Method: blend
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 ounces
- Calories: 288
- Sugar: 22.8 g
- Sodium: 202.8 mg
- Fat: 5.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 43.7 g
- Fiber: 11.4 g
- Protein: 18.1 g
- Cholesterol: 4.5 mg
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