By Move over Erewhon, this strawberry cottage cheese smoothie is a dupe of the famous strawberry cloud smoothie. It uses no protein powder but still packs in 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. In just 5 minutes, you can have the most delicious and fluffy smoothie (or is it a milkshake?!).
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I'm not located on the West Coast anymore, but when I saw these cloud smoothies from the elite LA grocery store circulate on social media, I knew I needed to try them! They are packed with protein and fiber, but they also cost an arm and a leg...
So, I set out to make one without protein powder for much less. Turns out cottage cheese is the perfect ingredient to make a super fluffy smoothie without any supplements!
Jump to:
don't spend $20 on a shake
- High in protein without using protein powder, thanks to a powerhouse combination of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.
- Super creamy and thick, like a milkshake, thanks to the blend of frozen strawberries and cottage cheese.
- It is cheaper than buying because you can make the same quality shake at home for just a few dollars!
ingredient notes & substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Frozen strawberries: They must be frozen in order to have that perfect texture! Mixed berries will work, but the vibes are different.
- Low-fat milk: Always start with less milk and then add a splash at a time for that thick milkshake consistency. You can use any milk, including almond or oat milk but the cottage cheese shake will have less protein.
- Cottage cheese: The secret ingredient for protein and an ultra-creamy texture! If you're hesitant, don't worry-it blends in completely. It can even be used to make cottage cheese ice cream!
- Greek yogurt: Adds even more protein and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Greek yogurt is also a star ingredient in our strawberry protein icebox cake.
- Banana: Look for one turning brown so it's nice and sweet. You could also freeze this before blending.
- Almond butter (or cashew butter): Feel free to swap for peanut butter.
- Vanilla paste or extract: You just need a splash!
- Pinch of salt: A little salt brings out the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Flax seeds: Boosts fiber and omega-3s, making this smoothie even more nutritious. Chia seeds or hemp seeds work too.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
high protein ingredient spotlight: Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a tiny but mighty protein source! Just 2 tablespoons contain around 3 grams of protein, along with a hefty dose of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a fantastic addition to smoothies. They add a mild, nutty flavor and help thicken the texture naturally. We also like to use them as an egg substitute in our chocolate brownie baked oats and cinnamon roll baked oats.
here's how to make a strawberry protein smoothie
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full strawberry smoothie recipe!
- Add everything to a blender and blend for about 30 seconds (until smooth and the cheese curds are done).
- Decorate a glass cup with yogurt by scooping yogurt on the back of a spoon and smearing it on the inside of the glass.
- Add the smoothie to the glass for a strawberry cloud look!
quick recipe video
expert tips
- Use frozen bananas for extra creaminess: If you love a thick smoothie, freeze your banana before blending.
- Blend thoroughly: Make sure to blend for at least 30 seconds to fully incorporate the cottage cheese and eliminate any curds. Enjoy with these orange protein pancakes for a full breakfast.
common questions
Nope! It blends in completely and just adds a rich, creamy texture. Just be sure to keep blending until ALL the curds are gone.
Yes, but you'll need to use frozen bananas then or at least add ice. The smoothie doesn't have the same velvet texture as ice and won't store as well, but it's still tasty.
troubleshooting & testing notes
Ingredient Balance
We tested this with different amounts of nut butter and flaxseeds and found that 1 tablespoon of nut butter and 2 tablespoon of flaxseeds created the best creamy, nutty flavor without overpowering the strawberries.
Blending Matters
If you don't blend long enough, you might get small bits of cottage cheese and flax seeds-so let that blender run until totally smooth for the best creamy consistency.
how to store & meal prep it
- Fridge: This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a shake or a stir before drinking. Or better yet, reblend with some ice.
- Freezer: Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Blend the frozen cubes with a little extra milk for a quick, slushy smoothie later!
Recipe
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cups frozen strawberries
- ½ cup low-fat milk
- ¼ cup cottage cheese (low fat)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (plain, non fat)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste (or extract)
- 2 tablespoon flax seeds
- 1 pinch salt
Before you start!
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Instructions
- Add everything to a blender and blend for 1-2 minutes (until smooth and the cheese curds are gone).
- Enjoy! If it's not sweet enough, you can always add a bit of maple syrup or honey. To make the cloud effect, dip a spoon in the yogurt, covering the back, and use the back to spread swaths of yogurt inside of a glass carefully. Then pour the smoothie in.
Video
Notes
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Hi! I made this for breakfast this morning and I was pleasantly surprised! I hate cottage cheese, and could not taste it at all. It wasn’t very sweet with no honey added and had a nice nutty flavor. My first thought on the flavor was just eh but after getting used to the different flavor I really enjoyed it and look forward to making it again!
Great!!