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. 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!!
Recipe 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.
Natalie
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.
Homemade & Yummy
We love this for lunch too. Perfect for hot summer meals.
Brittany
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Cottage cheese really works great as a protein source….and make the smoothie so creamy too.
Liz Della Croce
This looks like a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack!
Homemade & Yummy
We often have it for lunch too.
Julie
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes they sure can add up quickly. Hope you give this a try.
Stacey
This sounds like a great way to start off the day or as a pick me up in the afternoon. Yum!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes it sure is perfect for both.
Michelle Blackwood
This is a very unique combo, such a great idea. I never thought of adding cottage cheese to my smoothies.
Homemade & Yummy
The protein content is amazing…and not powder needed to achieve it either.
Cindy
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
Homemade & Yummy
It is amazing how much nutrition you can get in a glass.
Kitty
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!
Homemade & Yummy
I really don’t think you can get more nutrition in a glass…smoothies are great.
Rachel
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!
Homemade & Yummy
It really works well in smoothies….and perfect to add protein.
Eileen Kelly
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.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes we have it for lunch often. Now that the hot weather is getting here….it is a great cool way to enjoy a meal too.
lauren
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!
Homemade & Yummy
YUP….cottage cheese is such a great protein…not to mention delicious.
Monica | Nourish & Fete
I love the agave in this, and, because I am lazy, the fact that you need not peel the apple! What a great way to get a protein-rich start to the day!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes this really has a lot of nutrition packed into a glass.
Amanda
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes…we love having smoothies as a breakfast or lunch. You are right…perfect for hot weather….so many great things you can use to make them.
Jenni
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!
Homemade & Yummy
It really does work well. Loaded with protein….and creamy too.
Megan
Love the idea of using cottage cheese in the smoothie. Great source of all kinds of good stuff.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes this is a great way to get lots of protein without the use of powders.
Sean
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes this is a great smoothie….and no protein powder needed. The cottage cheese does a fantastic job at making this creamy and protein packed.
Donna
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give this smoothie a recipe a try. It is nutritious and protein packed.
Carmy
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Enjoy….we love having this for lunch…get hot weather eating.
Amanda
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!
Homemade & Yummy
I can just eat it by the spoonful, but adding to smoothies is a great and delicious idea.
Amy Nash
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.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes I have used protein powder as well, but I prefer getting protein from food.
michele
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!
Homemade & Yummy
HAHAH….so glad up popped back to let me know. Glad you enjoyed it.
Madi
This smoothie sounds so amazing! Using cottage cheese in a smoothie would make it so creamy and delicious!
Homemade & Yummy
It really does make it creamy…and the protein is amazing.
Karyn Ryan
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
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give this recipe a try. YES to no protein powder!!
Tracy Koslicki
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 😉
Homemade & Yummy
YES….we can get lots of nutrition from food, no protein powder needed.
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
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!
Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…we sure do. Have this for lunch often.
Catherine
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!
Homemade & Yummy
It really does make it creamy….and the protein boost is amazing too.
Sarah
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Simple ingredients in this nutritious smoothie….all from food!
Sues
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give this recipe a try….you just might change your mind about cottage cheese.
Neha Mathur
I love the addition of cottage cheese in smoothie. It’s a very unique idea and super healthy too.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes….it is a GREAT way get protein without the use of powders. Easy and delicious.
Veena Azmanov
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…
Homemade & Yummy
Adding cottage cheese is such a great way to get protein without the use of powders. I love just eating it by the spoonful too.
Marisa Franca
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.
Homemade & Yummy
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!!
Annissa
Smoothies are my favorite breakfast food! So easy, but so satisfying! I love that you use real ingredients instead of processed protein powder.
Homemade & Yummy
I am all about getting the most you can with food. We have so many nutritious things we can eat.
Natalie
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.
Homemade & Yummy
We love having this for lunch. Easy, delicious and filling.
Kathy McDaniel
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!
Homemade & Yummy
The cottage cheese really does make this thick and creamy.
Pavani
Such a nutritious and delicious looking smoothie that is. Adding cottage cheese to smoothie is a great idea. Great way to start any day!!
Homemade & Yummy
Totally agree…you get so much protein with cottage cheese.
Jaclyn Anne
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Yup…no protein powder needed in this smoothie. You can get all you need from food.
Claudia Lamascolo
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
Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY….we have this often for a quick lunch during the week.
Kris
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!
Homemade & Yummy
This really is a great smoothie…and the ingredients are so simple, but work well together.
Sandi
What a fun idea for a smoothie.
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give it a try…it is a winner here….for the taste and nutrition.
Vladka
It seems like a perfect treat for my breakfast. I would use a maple sirup to make it little bit sweet.
Homemade & Yummy
Feel free to use maple syrup, honey, cane sugar….whatever you like best.
Lisa
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.
Homemade & Yummy
Yeah….I would rather get protein from food….it does taste better for sure.
Claudia Lamascolo
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
Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY….we have this for lunch often during the week. Quick, easy and delicious.
Vicky
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Well I hope you give both the recipes a try. ENJOY!
Veena Azmanov
I have never thought of adding cottage cheese to my smoothie. Such a cool Idea..! Sounds so delicious and so smooth.! Cant’ wait to try.
Homemade & Yummy
It really works well and is so nutritious.
Beth
Yum! I bet the cottage cheese gives this a nice tang! I’ll have to try this!
Chef G
Yes it really does add a nice flavour for sure.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland
I’ve never thought about adding cottage cheese to my smoothies, I can’t wait to try!
Chef G
It really works well and is so nutritious.
Mary Ellen
I’ve never thought to use cottage cheese in a smoothie – what a great way to add protein. What are hemp hearts?
Chef G
Have you never heard of hemp hearts? They are so nutritious. Check out the link in the post. They are considered a “superfood”.
The Food Hunter
I bet it gives it a nice texture
Chef G
It’s a great smoothie recipe.
Tonya C
I have never had a smoothie with cottage cheese. Try at this.
Chef G
Works the same as yogurt really.
Lois Alter Mark
This looks delicious and so much healthier than the drinks I drink now. I’m definitely going to try it!
Chef G
It is nutritious and delicious!!
Carol Bryant
I have to be careful with the dairy I consume but I would imagine this tastes fantastic> Darn lactose issues here.
Chef G
I do think there is lactose free cottage cheese.
Laura Funk
I would have literally never thought to put those two together. Looks interesting
Chef G
We really enjoy it!!
Claudia Krusch
I love smoothies! I can’t wait to use cottage cheese. This definitely sounds interesting.
Chef G
Thanks hope you give it a try.
laura londergan
this sounds so good except I would have to sub out the cottage cheese. But I bet I could use something else and it be just as good.
Chef G
You could use yogurt and it would work just as well.
Mama to 5 BLessings
I would have never thought of using cottage cheese in my smoothie! I bet it is nice and creamy!
Chef G
Yes it really is!!
Heather lawrence
This sounds delicious! I have used cottage cheese before in baking but never thought to use it in a smoothie.
I imagine it tastes similar to yogurt.
Chef G
Yes very similar!!
Pam
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.
Chef G
For sure….it’s great!!
Cathy Herard
I love smoothies, but I would probably never think to add cottage cheese. This definitely sounds interesting.
Chef G
It totally works.
Milena
I never thought of putting cottage cheese in a smoothie. Such a great way to get more protein!
Chef G
Yes it truly is.
Emily, Our house now a home
This is a new smoothie for me, I will be giving this a try!
A GEEK DADDY
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.
Chef G
It tastes great…hope you give it a try.
Amanda
Smoothies are my go to for feeding my kids healthy with no fight. I’ve never put cottage cheese in a smoothie before! Great idea!
Chef G
Thanks it works really well.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
That smoothie sounds fantastic! What a great breakfast idea this is!
Chef G
Thanks…we really enjoy it.
Censie
We add cottage cheese to our smoothies too! Great way to really get a nice smoothie plus some extra protein.
Chef G
That’s awesome…it works really well don’t you agree?
Rosey
I’ve never thought to put cottage cheese in a smoothie. Sounds worth a try to me.
Chef G
Lots of protein that’s for sure.
Bri
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.
Chef G
It works really well…lots of protein.
Claudia Krusch
I love smoothies and this one sounds sooo good!. Love how healthy it is!
Chef G
Yes it is healthy and nutritious!!
Lois Alter Mark
Smoothies are the best! I would never have thought of cottage cheese but I am ready to try it!
Chef G
It works really well and is full of protein.
Khrista {ezeBreezy Life Simplified}
This looks delicious. I’ve been using Agave much more as a sweetener. But Hemp Hearts??? Where do you find them?
Chef G
There is a link on my site from Amazon…check health food stores or the organic sections of super markets.
Athena
I have never considered putting cottage cheese in a smoothie. What a great idea@ It looks awesome.
Chef G
It totally works!!
Rebecca Bryant
Oh my I finally tries this and it was SO good. Thank you for introducing me to this recipe.
Chef G
Oh so glad you liked it…thanks for letting me know.
Rebecca Bryant
Ok I may be a wee bit addicted to this smoothie. Thanks again for the recipe.
Chef G
You are very welcome…so glad you like it.
Helene Cohen Bludman
I love smoothies and this one sounds delicious. Love getting so much nutrition in one serving!
Chef G
Yes that is the great thing about smoothies.
Emily, Our house now a home
I make a lot of smoothies, and my kids love to have them for breakfast. This is one I have not made yet, thanks for the recipe!
Chef G
You are welcome…hope you enjoy it.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
I drink smoothies a lot, so I can’t wait to try this one. It sounds delish!
Chef G
Hope you enjoy it!!
Bella B (xoxoBella)
Yum! Smoothies are my favourite. I make at least one a day. This one looks like a good flavour combination.
Chef G
Thanks…we really enjoy it!!
Felesha
I’m always looking for great smoothie recipes and this one uses agave! So excited to try it. Thanks for sharing!
Chef G
You are very welcome…ENJOY!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
Yum!! This smoothie sounds absolutely divine right now!!
Chef G
It really is a good one for sure.
Sara @ Life's Little Sweets
What a great and innovative idea to put cottage cheese in a smoothie, like you, I love smoothies too!
Chef G
Cottage cheese works great in this.
Jill
I’ve never thought about putting cottage cheese in a smoothie – such a great idea. I need to try this one!
Chef G
Sure hope you do…and enjoy!!
Shreyashi
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. 🙂
Chef G
Well you can sub in honey for the agave, or even dates if you prefer. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
Jessica
This smoothie sounds so yummy, and that is a lot coming from someone who doesn’t even like cottage cheese! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Chef G
Well if you try this you might just like it!!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender
Ive never tried Cottage cheese in my smoothies… that’s really interesting! 🙂 Definitely need to give it a go for my morning smoothies 🙂
Chef G
Hope you enjoy it!!
Autumn @Mamachallenge
I would have never thought about adding cottage cheese to a smoothie! It looks great.
Chef G
It’s so nutritious and delicious.
Bella B
Now this looks so yummy, I love smoothies I will have to try this!
http://xoxobella.com
Chef G
Smoothies are so great. Enjoy!!
Julia (@Imagelicious)
This is such a unique idea using cottage cheese in a smoothie! I love pairing of dairy (cottage cheese, ricotta, farmers cheese) with apple, so I am sure this smoothie is delicious!
Chef G
Thanks Julia!!
Marsha @ Marsha's Baking Addiction
This smoothie looks so delicious! Never tried cottage cheese in smoothies, so I’ve got to try this!
Chef G
Hope you do….it works really well.
Amanda Love
I absolutely love smoothies but have never thought of using cottage cheese in them before. Will be trying this for sure.
Chef G
It works great!!
Claudia Krusch
It sounds so good! I’ve been looking for new smoothie recipes, thank you so much for sharing it!
Chef G
Enjoy!!
Rosey
Cranberries and coconut you say? Oh yes please, that does sound delicious.
Chef G
Delicious and nutritious!!
Bri
I really like the flavor cranberries add to my morning smoothie. I will try adding coconut next time.
Chef G
This is a great smoothie.
Tiaras & Tantrums
I never would have thought to toss in some cottage cheese whilst making smoothies? We always use yogurt. Great idea!
Chef G
Thanks!! Give it a try.
Tonya C
What a clever idea. I would have never thought to use cottage cheese in a smoothie.
Chef G
It really works well..hope you try it.
Christina
Clever! I love smoothies but never would have thought to put cottage cheese in one. Sounds delish!
Chef G
Lots of protein and calcium….delicious.
Janeane Davis
I never heard of anyone using cottage cheese to make a smoothie to drink before. You really can learn something new everyday if you try.
Chef G
That is so true….never a shortage of new things to try.
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat
I’ve never thought of adding cottage cheese to a smoothie before! But I do love it! Such a great idea! Looks delish!
Chef G
Enjoy!!
Rebecca Bryant
OMg I’m with Lois here never heard of adding cottage cheese to a smoothie but dang it looks good. I am so trying this just for the fact it looks amazing.
Chef G
It really is good….full of protein and calcium.
Mama to 5 BLessings
I would have never thought of adding cottage cheese to a smoothie. I bet it tastes good!
Chef G
It works awesome!!
Lois Alter Mark
Wow, I never heard of adding cottage cheese to a smoothie before! I will definitely try this one!
Chef G
It works just like milk or yogurt.
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma)
I love smoothies, especially after a work out! I never thought to put cottage cheese into one. Fun idea!
Chef G
Yeah something a little different….and protein packed.
Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry
I discovered a love of cottage cheese last year but have never tried it in a smoothie! What a unique idea 🙂
Chef G
Yes it works really well. Full of protein and calcium.
Erin @ Stay At Home Yogi
I have never seen a smoothie made with cottage cheese before!
Chef G
It’s great…replaces milk or yogurt.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
I am a big fan of smoothies for breakfast. This one sounds mighty tasty!
Chef G
I love smoothies for breakfast too.