Homemade & Yummy

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Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie (No Protein Powder)

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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.

Apple Cottage Smoothie in a glass with a straw, ready to drink.

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. 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. Spinach never tasted so good (this way). Give my Clean Green Smoothie a try and see.

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.

Ingredients to make the Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie.

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 Smoothie Ingredients

This delicious smoothie has simple ingredients. Really good protein powder is pricey. People that 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.

Close up of smoothie getting poured into a glass.

Combined with the added protein from hemp hearts, and the health benefits of apples, this healthy smoothie recipe really does pack a punch.

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.

Overhead shot of Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie

Give this Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie recipe a try. Vanilla Bean Kefir Smoothie is great too.

Do you have a favourite smoothie recipe? Let me know in the comments.

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Apple Cottage Smoothie in a glass with a straw, ready to drink.

Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie (No Protein Powder)

This Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie is packed with protein from food, not protein powder. Great for an "on the run" breakfast, lunch, or pre/post workout. Nutrition in a glass is so easy and delicious.
5 from 39 votes
Print Rate
Course: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Canadian
Keyword: no protein powder, nutritious healthy eating
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 556kcal
Author: Homemade & Yummy

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
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Wash apple, cut and core.
  • Place all ingredients into blender (in order of ingredients listed).
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Enjoy!!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 8% | Vitamin C: 10.2% | Calcium: 14% | Iron: 25.8%

Notes

Feel free to switch out the agave nectar for honey. If you prefer, don't sweeten at all. You can also use a less fat version of cottage cheese if you are looking to cut some calories.

Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie Pin Image

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I absolutely love this smoothie. WOnderful flavor combo. I love the addition of hemp seeds. All natural and delicious. Can’t wait to try it this week.

    Reply

  2. I love making protein smoothies without protein powder! Don’t know why I never thought about adding cottage cheese. Very cool idea and will be trying this soon!

    Reply

  4. We are on a huge smoothie kick in our house right now – the perfect hot weather breakfast. But it’s always kind of terrifying seeing how quickly the calories add up – even more reason to make sure to properly weigh and measure everything!

    Reply

  6. This is a very unique combo, such a great idea. I never thought of adding cottage cheese to my smoothies.

    Reply

  7. looks amazing and healthy,, going to try it. So down with the fresh protein ingredients instead of using protein powder… thanks for this recipe and keep up the good work

    Reply

  8. My favorite smoothie is a pineapple orange blend, but doesn’t have nearly as much protein in it. I’m going to give this one a try!

    Reply

  9. I’ve never added cottage cheese to a smoothie before. It’s such a good idea for added protein and I bet it tastes great with apples. I’m going to have to give this one a try!

    Reply

  10. I just love the combo of the cottage cheese and apple. This is a perfect smoothie to start the day or have after my morning walk. Love the fresh and natural flavors.

    Reply

  11. Smoothies are my go to breakfast. I’ve never thought to put cottage cheese in them but that’s a great idea for additional protein that will definitely fill you up more than just veggies and fruit!

    Reply

  13. What a great idea to add cottage cheese to a smoothie! I’ve never had hemp hearts before, but the combo sounds like a great way to add protein without using powders. I’m big on smoothies in the morning, especially during the summer when it’s so hot out, and this looks like a perfect addition to my repertoire. Can’t wait to try!

    Reply

  14. What a great recipe! I never thought about using cottage cheese in a protein shake! Of course thats a brilliant way to get protein! Going to have to try this one out!

    Reply

  16. What a fascinating recipe! I have pretty much zero interest in protein powders and other smoothie-in-a-pack mixes, so the ingredients you’ve used here are especially interesting. I can’t say I would have thought of cottage cheese in a smoothie, but it seems like it would work quite nicely with the apple. The hemp hearts are great too – I always enjoy seeing those get used. Cheers!

    Reply

  17. I love this! I have never thought to add cottage cheese to a smoothie, but now that you have mentioned it, it makes total sense! I am always trying to get more protein in our diet but I don’t like using those powders either,. Totally trying this out on the kids!

    Reply

  18. I love a good smoothie made with apple. I had some extra cottage cheese lying in my fridge and I never thought to put it into my smoothie. I can’t wait to combine them together!

    Reply

  19. I love adding cottage cheese to smoothies. I can’t eat it on its own, but I love that it gives an almost cheesecake flavor to my smoothies only much much better for you!

    Reply

  20. I literally make a protein shake every single day. But I always use protein powder to do it. But I’m going to try this approach instead this week because I like the idea of stepping away from the protein powder for a bit.

    Reply

  21. I ws super skeptical about this… there was something about cottage cheese in my breakfast that was making me nervous! But wow… it was perfect! It gave a great tang to my boring breakfast! Im totally sold!

    Reply

  22. This smoothie sounds so amazing! Using cottage cheese in a smoothie would make it so creamy and delicious!

    Reply

  23. How very clever of you to use cottage cheese in a smoothie..They make such great breakfasts and I love this has no protein powder added to it..Brilliant

    Reply

  24. Wow!! Nutritious AND delicious! I’ve never seen cottage cheese in a smoothie before but I am so interested in trying it. And I’m with you – protein SHOULD come from food 😉

    Reply

  25. Cottage cheese is such a great way to get minimally processed protein into a smoothie. It adds such creaminess too! Skin on apples are also a big favorite to add to smoothies around here, so I know that my family will love this one!

    Reply

  26. This looks and sounds delicious and refreshing! A perfect start to the day and packed with lots of protein. I have to try this…I’ve never added cottage cheese to a smoothie before but I love the idea!

    Reply

  27. I’ve never thought of adding cottage cheese to a smoothie! It makes total sense though- what a great way to add protein and make the smoothie thicker. And an apple smoothie sounds great- I always have apples in the house!

    Reply

  28. What a unique and delicious sounding smoothie! I’m actually not the biggest fan of cottage cheese, but I feel like combined with apple in smoothie form, I’d be so into it!

    Reply

  30. You know I have never had cottage cheese in my smoothies or drinks ever!! We eat cottage cheese a lot in our home. I even use it in my cheesecakes but never smoothie. Cannot wait to try this.. Sounds so yum…

    Reply

  31. Lucky you to have a husband who doesn’t purchase the cheapest. Our blender dies and Hubby ran over to Target to get a new one. Well, he got the cheapest one there. He brought it home and it sounded like a jet was taking off every time we used it. PLUS!! it didn’t make things smooth. I was so happy when that one finally died. The one we have now it not that great. Your smoothie sounds delicious. I really like cottage cheese and we normally have it at home.

    Reply

    • HAHAH….YES I am a lucky lady. He is all about “quality products”….but they might be because he wants great tools in his workshop. If he gets the best so do I!!

  32. Smoothies are my favorite breakfast food! So easy, but so satisfying! I love that you use real ingredients instead of processed protein powder.

    Reply

  33. Wow this is one amazing smoothie. I love addition of dried cranberries and cottage cheese. It’s protein packed deliciousness. Can’t wait to make this one.

    Reply

  34. I am always looking for new smoothie recipes. This one is one I really need to try. It looks so creamy and nutritious. Besides apples are always so plentiful at my house. Yum!

    Reply

  35. Such a nutritious and delicious looking smoothie that is. Adding cottage cheese to smoothie is a great idea. Great way to start any day!!

    Reply

  36. I wouldn’t have thought to add cottage cheese to a smoothie but it is seriously delicious! Who would have thought it?! Yummy and a great source of calcium and protein as well. Win/Win!

    Reply

  37. We love smoothies. The ingredients in here sound yummy I think the cottage cheese would make it thick rich and creamy. Plus its much lower in calories which we all count here. I am pretty sure this is going to be a nice addition to our healthy breakfast menu all summer long

    Reply

  38. I am a nut for cottage cheese, always since a child. But in a smoothies, with apple and nectar. This sounds fantastic and can hardly wait to make this. I have all the fixings, so may head to the kitchen right now! thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply

  41. I’ve never used cottage cheese in a smoothie before, but I happen to have some in the fridge… so I’ll definitely be trying it. Love that you’ve skipped the protein powder, too — I think that tastes weird.

    Reply

  42. Just reading the ingredients it sounds satisfying for a whole meal. I love the addition of nectar and would definitely use that option. I love the idea that you used the cottage cheese. My mom would have love this one too ! thanks for posting

    Reply

  43. My bf is obsessed with smoothie and needs to have one every day so this is the drink for him! I’ve more of a green smoothie person so I’ve gto to check out your recipe for that!

    Reply

    • Have you never heard of hemp hearts? They are so nutritious. Check out the link in the post. They are considered a “superfood”.

  57. My husband loves cottage cheese and eats it for breakfast all the time. This would be a good way to switch it up if he gets bored.

    Reply

  61. At first glance this didn’t sound very appetizing but after reading through your post I’m going to try this recipe out. I like cottage cheese, apples, and smoothies so why not put all three together. Plus I have to get to eating healthier and this seems like something to help with that goal.

    Reply

  66. Smoothies help me be a breakfast person. I never thought about using cottage cheese as one of my ingredients, but it seems like it is worth trying.

    Reply

    • There is a link on my site from Amazon…check health food stores or the organic sections of super markets.

  80. You are spot on when you say how delicious and nutritious this recipe is. Just reading the ingredient list speaks for itself. Although, I would be avoiding the agave nectar completely. With over 90% fructose in the composition, believe it or not it is worse than refined sugar for your liver.
    Not going in to a sugar rant here though. 🙂
    I am pinning this to make later on. Smoothies happen to be one of my favourite breakfasts too. 🙂

    Reply

    • Well you can sub in honey for the agave, or even dates if you prefer. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.

Trackbacks

  5. […] Smoothies are an excellent way to pack in nutrition.  I have even made them the night before and stored them in a glass drinking jar with a lid, when I know I will be in a rush in the morning.  No need to skip on nutrition even when you are in a hurry.  One of our favourites is my Apple Cottage Cheese Smoothie. […]

    Reply

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