Do you love smoothies? This Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie is protein packed using only food, no protein powders needed. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or pre/post workout.
Smoothies are such a great way to pack nutrition into a glass. If you are like me, I prefer to get my protein from food. This power smoothie combines cottage cheese and hemp hearts to create a protein-rich, totally delicious drink. A high protein shake great for any time of day.
One thing about smoothies, you can create them however you like. It’s a great way to use up fruits and veggies. The best part, you can usually get the kids to drink these no problem. They never have to know ALL the things you sneak in there.
It’s all about healthy ingredients in smoothies. Spinach never tasted so good (this way). Give my Clean Green Smoothie a try and see. Natural protein shakes really pack a punch.
We enjoy them all year long. When my husband was working, this was his “go to” lunch. Easy to transport, and easy to drink during the day. You can even make them the night before so they are ready for breakfast. Perfect for breakfast on the run. Fast to pop into the lunch bag. High protein smoothies will keep you going all day long.
I will say to make a great smoothie, you really do need a good blender. Personally, I don’t like “chunky” smoothies. Neither does my husband. When we started making smoothies on a regular basis, he started shopping for a new blender.
I LOVE kitchen tools, so I let him do all the comparison research. Honestly, I did not have a thing to do with it. I was thrilled that he bought me a Vitamix. No chunks in our smoothies anymore. Awesome if you are a slushy lover too.
APPLE COTTAGE CHEESE SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS
Did you know you CAN make a protein shake without protein powder? This delicious smoothie has simple ingredients. People are looking for natural, unprocessed ways to get protein in their smoothies. Cottage cheese is a fantastic option. It makes a great and healthy snack all on its’ own.
A fun start to any morning is with dessert! YES, you can! This Breakfast Banana Split is made with cottage cheese, not ice cream.
Cottage cheese benefits include:
- good source of protein
- moderate levels of fat (you can get fat free cottage cheese)
- moderate levels of carbs
- good source of vitamins and minerals
- useful in weight loss (highly satiating, low in calories)
- contains probiotics
There are lots of great brands of cottage cheese on the market. Available in regular, 2%, low-fat cottage cheese, low sodium, and fat-free options. If you are really ambitious and want to have some fun in the kitchen, you can actually make your own cottage cheese too.
Combined with the added protein from hemp hearts, and the health benefits of apples, this healthy and natural protein smoothie recipe is super nutritious.
For this smoothie you need:
- water
- cottage cheese
- an apple (skin on)
- *shredded raw coconut
- *hemp hearts
- *agave nectar (optional)
- dried cranberries
- ice
Place the ingredients in the blender according to manufacturers directions. Blend (we have a smoothie setting), pour, drink. One of the easiest ways to make a meal in just a few minutes.
Feel free to switch up the agave with honey, or leave it out completely. Smoothies are so easy to customize. Hemp Chocolate Smoothie is so thick and rich, you might think you were having a milkshake.
Give this Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie recipe a try next time you are looking for a high protein drink with REAL ingredients. Vanilla Bean Kefir Smoothie is great too.
You might be interested in trying some of these cottage cheese recipes too:
Do you have a favourite smoothie recipe? Let me know in the comments.
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Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie (No Protein Powder)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tsp agave nectar
- 1 apple peel on
- 1 tbsp raw shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp hemp hearts
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Wash apple, cut and core.
- Place all ingredients into blender (in order of ingredients listed).
- Blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!!
Nutrition Information
Notes
Jordan
Such a good idea for getting extra protein into breakfast! Definitely passing this recipe along to my momma! She is a huge cottage cheese fan.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
It is so good…and if you are like me and do not like protein powders…this is perfect.
Jagruti Dhanecha
Now that warmer weather is here, I do make a smoothie for breakfast. But have never used cottage cheese, a must try for me. Looks so creamy and tasty!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
It does produce a nice creamy texture. The added hit of protein is great too.
Daniela
Whoa not sure I’ve had cottage cheese in a smoothie before! Sounds unique and interesting… will have to give it a try :).
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give this smoothie recipe a try. One of our favourites.
Jenna
I’m with you! I don’t like using protein powder either in my smoothies. Cottage cheese is such a great idea to bulk up the protein in one!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is so much better than protein powder. Hope you give it a try.
Kylie | Midwest Foodie
What an interesting combo! I am going to have to try cottage cheese in my next smoothie!! Love it with the apple too – yummy!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This will keep you full all morning. Hope you give it a try soon.
Kylee
What a GREAT way to add protein to a smoothie without the gritty blah taste of protein powder. We loved this one this morning!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
YES…I really do not like protein powder. This works great.
Alisha Rodrigues
That smoothie is surely filling and full of simple flavors.. Looks creamy and delicious..
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
That it is, hope you give it at try.
Ana F
I LOVE protein shakes and never thought of using cottage cheese on the,. I’m definitely making this. Thank you!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY this is one of our favourites for sure.
Kushi
This is so creative and looks so creamy too. I have never tried a smoothie with cottage cheese. Can’t wait to give this recipe a try soon.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Cottage cheese makes it so creamy and delicious. ENJOY!
Amanda
I love starting my day with a protein shake, but I’ve never had one with cottage cheese. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome. This is a favourite in our house.
Carmy
Great reminder for me! I’ve got some extra cottage cheese that needs to be used up in my fridge and it’s going in my next smoothie.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Hope you love this as much as we do.
Amy
I also prefer to get my protein from food, and not powder, when I can. This looks like a delicious, nutrition-packed treat I’d love to cool off with after a hard run or workout!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Yes it is the perfect smoothie for ALL the above. ENJOY!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
That looks really amazing! I need to give it a try!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Hope you do. It is one of our favorites for sure.
Ashley F
I’m always up for a good smoothie but I am loving the added protein without the powder!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Yes, I am not a huge protein powder fan. This is a great alternative for sure. Hope you give it a try.
Debra
What a great idea. I’ve never tried cottage cheese in a smoothie….but the added nutrition is terrific. I prefer real food to powders as well.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Real food is the way to go. This is the perfect alternative to protein powders. Tastes better too.
Trish Bozeman
This is genius! I use cottage cheese as a cream replacement in eggs, but I definitely need to try it in a smoothie. We usually use yogurt, so this would be a great way to switch it up. Thanks for the idea!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Cottage cheese is so nutritious. Works perfectly and has a great amount of protein too.
Jenni LeBaron
I love starting my morning with a smoothie and this one sounds so tasty! I’ve never used cottage cheese in a smoothie before but I think it’s a brilliant way to add some great texture and protein. Would love to try this recipe!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This smoothie will keep you full till lunch…and I love the fact it has NO protein powder.
Jamie H
This looks like such a filling smoothie! Perfect for a breakfast substitute! I can’t wait to try it!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is the perfect breakfast smoothie. Hope you give it a try soon.
Dorothy at Shockinglydelish
So many protein powders have a funny after taste. The cottage is such a smart ingredient!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I know, I don’t like them either. This is a much better way. Hope you give it a try.
Donna
I love the combination of the apple and dried cranberries, such yummy flavours!! I can’t stand the texture of cottage cheese but it would be just perfect blended in a smoothie like this!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
In the smoothie, the cottage cheese is so creamy. Give it a try and see.
Lois Christensen
I have used cottage cheese in smoothies before and it made them so creamy and delicious! Full of protein too!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I know right? It works like a charm.
Tracy
Cottage cheese is a genius addition!! My husband loved this smoothie and I loved how simple it was to make!! 5 stars for sure, thank you!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I am so glad he liked it. Cottage cheese really works in this smoothie recipe.
Daniela
This smoothie sounds so refreshing and healthy! I’ve never thought to put cottage cheese is a smoothie, but it’s definitely a great way to add protein to a drink. I might be tempted to add a tiny pinch of cinnamon just because I feel that cinnamon and apples go so well together.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
YES, by all means, play around with the ingredients. ENJOY!
Tina
I am the same way, I prefer to get my protein from food, not powder. I have never seen cottage cheese in a smoothie before, that’s brilliant. I bet it makes it extra creamy. Definitely going to have to try this.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
It works like a charm. Cottage cheese is nutritious for sure. I don’t like protein powder either.
Anne Lawton
I would not have thought to put cottage cheese in a smoothie, but I love the idea! I can’t wait to give it a try.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
It really works great. Nice creamy texture with the added protein without the use of protein powder.