This Cottage Cheese Protein Shake is a creamy and refreshing drink that packs a protein punch! It’s made with smooth cottage cheese, your favorite fruit, and a splash of milk or yogurt.
I love how easy it is to whip up—just blend and go! It’s perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack. Plus, you can play around with flavors like banana or berries for extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the shake, providing protein and creaminess. You can use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese, depending on your preference. If dairy is an issue, silken tofu is a great alternative for a similar texture and protein content.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add sweetness and vibrant color, but feel free to swap with half a banana, blueberries, or any fruit you enjoy. Frozen fruit works too, giving a cold and refreshing feel to the shake!
Milk: I usually go for almond or oat milk for a plant-based option. Regular milk works perfectly as well. If you want a thicker shake, try using yogurt instead of milk, or even a mix of both for extra creaminess!
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. If you’re cutting back on sugar, try using a low-calorie sweetener or skip it altogether, as the fruit provides natural sweetness!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smooth Consistency?
A smooth texture is key for a delightful shake! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh. Overripe fruit may alter the flavor.
- Start blending at a low speed and gradually increase to high speed. This helps break down the cottage cheese for a creamy finish.
- Don’t skip the ice! It thickens the shake and keeps it cool.
- If your shake ends up too thick, just add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Try this and you’ll have a flawlessly blended shake every time!
Cottage Cheese Protein Shake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A few ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy protein shake takes about 5 minutes of prep time. Just a quick blend and it’s ready to enjoy! Perfect for a quick breakfast or a post-workout treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh strawberries under cool water to clean them. Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops. This will make them sweeter and easier to blend!
2. Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, toss in the low-fat cottage cheese, the prepared strawberries, milk, honey (if you want added sweetness), vanilla extract, and throw in a few ice cubes. Blend all the ingredients together until it’s super smooth and creamy!
3. Serve Your Shake:
Once blended, pour the shake into a glass or a mason jar for a fun presentation. If you want, you can use a straw to make it easier to sip!
4. Garnish and Enjoy:
To make it look nice, reserve a couple of whole strawberries and sprinkle some crumbled cottage cheese on top. This adds a lovely touch! Dig in and enjoy your refreshing, high-protein shake!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Shake?
Absolutely! You can swap out the strawberries for other fruits like bananas, blueberries, or raspberries. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change accordingly. Frozen fruits work well too and can give your shake a colder, thicker texture!
How Can I Make This Shake Vegan?
To make this shake vegan, simply use dairy-free cottage cheese (like a nut-based alternative), and opt for plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. You can also skip the honey or use agave syrup for sweetness!
Can I Prep This Shake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time! Just blend everything together when you’re ready to drink. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before enjoying as it may separate.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The shake may thicken as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of milk and stir well before drinking!
