If you’re looking for a unique smoothie, packed with nutrients and using the viral whipped cottage cheese, this recipe is for you! This dark cherry cottage cheese smoothie tastes just like cheesecake.
It’s creamy and decadent, while still being healthy – and contains 15 grams of protein without any protein powder! In under 5 minutes, you could have a delicious smoothie for a quick breakfast or late-night snack. My toddlers even loved it – and always enjoy the whole process of making it.
Five ingredients, under five minutes, with loads of flavor and healthy nutritional benefits! Give it a try!
Ingredients
- Frozen Dark Sweet Cherries: Cherries are rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that cherries significantly decreased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (1).
- Cottage Cheese: A powerhouse ingredient full of protein – 13 grams per 1/2 cup serving! It adds a lot of creaminess and a little bit of tang. I used whipped cream cheese I already had in my fridge for this recipe, but it isn’t needed because the blender will whip it when combined with the other ingredients.
- Ground Flaxseed (or chia seeds): They are one of the richest sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which is importance for heart health. If you’re not eating fish 2-3 times per week, flaxseeds are an easy way to add these fats which are not found in many foods.
- Jell-o Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding Mix: Only a tablespoon is needed for this recipe, and it adds even more cheesecake flavor. You can omit this ingredient, or choose the option that isn’t sugar free if you don’t want the aspartame.
- Water: This recipe uses water instead of milk to keep it lower in calories. This does not affect the flavor of this smoothie at all! However, low-fat milk is an excellent replacement to add some additional protein and calcium.
- Honey: Optional, but I found a teaspoon to really sweeten up the smoothie – otherwise, it’s a little too tangy for my taste.
Nutrient Profile
This smoothie contains 245 calories, 15 grams of protein, 29 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber and 20 grams of sugar (with honey included).
A good source of fiber and protein, as well as alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) from the flaxseeds. ALA has been shown to decrease the risk of heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, and atherosclerotic lesions (2). However, fish is still considered a better option of omega-3 fatty acids due to better absorption. So just a reminder to aim for at least two servings of fish per week!
How to Make it Higher in Protein
Protein contains molecules which are harder to breakdown than carbohydrates and fats, therefore, they help with satiety. Eating a high protein diet can keep us fuller for a longer period of time.
Adequate protein intake can also help to preserve lean body mass when trying to lose weight. When you’re restricting calories, carbohydrates and fat to results in a drop in the scale – it’s important to still meet your protein needs as maintaining muscle tissue increases our metabolism. This is vital for weight maintenance, after you reach your goal weight.
So if you’re making this smoothie, specifically as a meal – you may be wondering how make it even higher in protein.
- Protein Powder: One scoop usually contains at least 20 grams of additional protein.
- Milk: By replacing the water with low-fat milk, you would be adding 9 grams of protein.
- Greek Yogurt: One package of Light N’ Fit yogurt contains 12 grams of protein. Additional water may be needed if the smoothie becomes too thick. There is even a strawberry cheesecake flavor option!
- Cottage Cheese: You could increase the cottage cheese to one cup, and add water until you reach the desired consistency. More honey may be needed for sweetness.
- Hemp Hearts: Add 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts for 10 grams of additional protein.
How to Make This Dark Cherry Cottage Cheese Smoothie: so simple!
Gather Ingredients
Gather all ingredients. The cottage cheese will be whipped into a smooth and creamy consistency with the rest of the ingredients – so no need to blend it beforehand.
Blend Until Smooth!
Using a blender or Nutri-Bullet, blend until smooth. This would be delicious topped with whipped cream!
Dark Cherry Cottage Cheese Smoothie {Tastes Like Cheesecake}
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- 1/2 tablespoon Jell-o Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix
- 1/2 cup dark frozen cherries
- 1 cup water
- Drizzle of honey (optional)
Instructions
- Pour ingredients in a blender: start with the water, then honey, cottage cheese, cheesecake mix, flaxseed and cherries. Blend until smooth.
Notes
Enjoy!
Whether you’re a women trying to lose weight, or a busy mom- I hope you enjoyed this dark cherry cottage cheese smoothie. I wouldn’t have thought to add cottage cheese to a smoothie until the whole viral whipped cottage cheese trend happened on TikTok!
For me, sometimes the thought of getting the blender out and involving my kids in the process seems daunting – but every time I do it I realize it’s pretty easy and quick to clean up. My kids love it! It makes them more eager to try it as well.
If you tried this recipe, what did you think? Would you change anything about it? I love feedback, so feel free to leave a comment!
