Description
This strawberry cheesecake smoothie is thick, creamy, and packed with protein. Made with cottage cheese, berries, and simple ingredients, it tastes like dessert but works as a balanced breakfast or post-workout snack—no protein powder required.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups non-dairy milk (full-fat for a richer taste)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt (see notes for substitute)
- 1 cup fresh frozen strawberries, plus extra for topping (use frozen for thicker texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon creamy almond butter
- 2-3 pitted Deglet dates (about 18-24g total) or 1-2 Medjool dates (about 20-40g total), depending on desired sweetness *See notes
- Optional- Maple syrup or honey, to taste
- Optional- 1 serving (20-25 grams) vanilla protein powder (Thicker + higher protein)
Optional Topping:
- Crushed gluten-free graham crackers or granola
Instructions
- Add the non-dairy milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, strawberries, vanilla, almond butter, and dates to a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high for 45–60 seconds, or until smooth and creamy. If using protein powder, add it during this step and blend again until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust sweetness as needed with maple syrup or honey.
- Pour into one large glass or two smaller glasses. Top with extra strawberries and crushed gluten-free graham crackers or granola before serving.
Notes
Deglet dates have a more subtle caramel flavor and mild sweetness, while Medjool dates are softer, richer, and noticeably sweeter. Greek yogurt adds extra tang and protein, while coconut milk creates a richer, creamier texture.
If using banana instead of dates, substitute 1 small ripe banana for a naturally sweeter smoothie with a softer texture.
For a nut-free option, swap the nut butter for sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely.
For a dairy-free option, use ¾ cup non-dairy yogurt or the thickened portion of canned coconut milk (richer taste and texture) in place of the cottage cheese and yogurt combination. To keep this high protein, add a plant based protein powder.
Smoothie Prep Option: Freeze the full fat yogurt or canned coconut milk plus the nut butter in an ice cube tray. Add the cubes to a ziplock bag along with frozen strawberries. When ready to blend, just add the milk, cottage cheese, and dates. Freezing the yogurt and nut butter creates an extra thick smoothie as well!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: n/a
- Category: Breakfast, drink, smoothie
- Method: blend
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large smoothie (16–18 oz)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 20 -22 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 -15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 -3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 -37 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22-24 g
