This easy and delicious cottage cheese blueberry smoothie is packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, perfect for heart health.
Cottage cheese has been trending lately, and for good reason, itโs rich in protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle mass.
The addition of blueberries to this cottage cheese smoothie helps satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing antioxidants that can support heart health by helping to unclog arteries and lower blood pressure.
Most importantly, this cottage cheese blueberry smoothie is simple and versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to fit your taste buds.
Why Make a Cottage Cheese Blueberry Smoothie
As a heart dietitian, when working with clients who want to reduce their heart disease risk, I often find they understand the need to reduce animal-based proteins, like beef, but many struggle to replace that protein with healthier alternatives.
Cottage cheese is a heart-healthy, low-saturated-fat protein source that fills that gap. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat (1), and cottage cheese fits perfectly into this recommendation.
Beyond cottage cheeseโs heart-healthy benefits, the additional smoothie ingredients further elevate this smoothies heart health advantages. Ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, and berries are anti-inflammatory foods commonly included in heart-healthy dietary patterns, such as the DASH and Mediterranean diets.
Aside from being an excellent source of low-saturated-fat protein, cottage cheese is also a great alternative to yogurt, providing a similar thick and creamy texture without the tartness. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a milder taste in their smoothies.
Cottage Cheese vs Yogurt in Smoothies
While both cottage cheese and yogurt offer nutritional benefits, there are some differences. Cottage cheese is slightly higher in protein and lower in carbs compared to yogurt.
Nutritional Comparison
This data was sourced by the FoodData Central
Ingredient | Total Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Monounsaturated Fat (g) | Polyunsaturated Fat (g) | Calcium (mg) |
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese | 5g | 1.7g | 0.5g | 0.2g | ~83 mg |
Low-Fat Greek Yogurt | 3g | 1.2g | 0.8g | 0.1g | ~110-150 mg |
Cottage Cheese Smoothie Ingredients
This recipe is packed with ingredients that promote heart health and keep you feeling full. Gather the following ingredients to make this cottage cheese blueberry smoothie.
- ยฝ cup cottage cheese โ protein-rich and creamy
- 1 cup frozen berries โ high in antioxidants and fiber
- 1 ripe banana โ natural sweetness and a source of potassium
- 1 tbsp chia seeds โ loaded with omega-3 fatty acids
- 1 tbsp flax seeds โ full of fiber and heart-healthy fats
- ยผ cup soy milk or water โ adjust to your preferred thickness
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder โ rich in antioxidants and flavor
- 3 dates โ natural sweetener
How to Make the Cottage Cheese Blueberry Smoothie Recipe
Making this smoothie couldnโt be simpler. All you need to do is add all the ingredients into a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
The other reason I love this smoothie, is that it can be versatile. Here are some ideas for tweaking the recipe:
- Add spinach or kale for a green boost.
- Swap the banana for avocado for a thicker texture and healthy fats.
- Add peanut butter for extra creaminess and protein.
Other High Protein Smoothie Recipes
If you love this smoothie, try some of my other favorite high-protein options:
Pea Smoothie with Frozen Green Peas
13 Mediterranean Diet Smoothies
Creamy Avocado Peanut Butter Smoothie
Final Thoughts
Follow the instructions above for a quick and heart healthy cottage cheese blueberry smoothie recipe.
If you love this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and a nice comment. Your feedback helps others find my recipes, which keeps me motivated to create more. Cheers!
Cottage Cheese Blueberry Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp flaxseed
- 1/4 cup soy milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 dates
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender and pulse until completely smooth. If more liquid is needed, add a tbsp of milk, water or ice until desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve while cold, and enjoy.