Smoothies can be a delicious and healthy way to add an extra boost of nutrition to your diet (and a sneaky way to get extra nutrition into kids). I have a collection of some of our favorite whey-free smoothie recipes here, but this strawberry cheesecake smoothie is just as delicious as our old favorites.
Unlike a lot of smoothies, this one is low in sugar and filling because of the extra protein from my new favorite secret ingredient… cottage cheese!
Wake Them Up With a Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie!
I have no trouble getting the kids going in the morning when they know I’m whipping up a blender-full of strawberry cheesecake smoothie. (I learned long ago it’s all in the name… only I have to know how healthy it really is!)
Instead of actual cheesecake, this smoothie gets its dessert-like creaminess from cultured cottage cheese, which adds a whopping 14 grams of protein. This makes it great for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
Don’t worry, the cottage cheese blends up nice and creamy (no lumps!)… cheesecake fake-out complete.
Healthy Smoothie Ingredients
So what makes such a delectable smoothie different from dessert? I’m glad you asked…
Cottage Cheese (But Not Just Any Cottage Cheese)
We avoided dairy for quite a while while I was getting my autoimmune disease under control and healing my son’s dairy allergy, but dairy is back in the rotation now. Since cottage cheese is cultured it’s also easier to digest than some other dairy products. We use the Good Culture brand at our home because it’s grass-fed, organic, and contains probiotics. (Check local grocery stores and if they don’t have it, ask them to start carrying it!)
Chia Seed
Chia seeds are another commonly used ingredient around our house. I always have a big bag on hand for family favorites like chia seed pudding. This recipe doesn’t call for a large amount, but these tiny seeds still really pack a punch. Chia seeds satiate the appetite, contain protein and antioxidants, and help hydration, all of which help support a healthy weight.
One interesting fact about chia seeds is their gelling effects may have health benefits. Researchers think that this gel action also occurs in the stomach, creating a barrier between carbohydrates and enzymes in the stomach which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar.
Collagen Powder
There are so many benefits to collagen powder that I could write a whole post on them (oh wait, I actually I did here!). Grass-fed collagen powder adds extra protein and is a little more versatile than drinking bone broth, especially on hot days. Collagen is similar to gelatin in its benefits, yet it dissolves in cold water and is a little easier to digest. My family consumes some form of gelatin or collagen daily.
Stevia
There’s some controversy over whether stevia is healthy or not. I go into the whole debate extensively here, but the bottom line is that it’s something I feel okay using. Unlike raw honey and natural maple syrup (which are a step above processed sugar), stevia won’t spike insulin levels and has no carbs. I use stevia in whole leaf form or tinctures made from the leaf but skip the white, highly processed powder.
Put in all in the blender, and there you have it… enjoy!
Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice (I used almond milk)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 2 TBSP collagen powder (optional, for extra protein)
- stevia extract (optional, I love berry-flavored stevia)
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
What are some of your favorite healthy smoothie ingredients? Have you found ways to sneak in extra protein, fiber, or even veggies?
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I’ve made this for afternoon snack, it was delicious! My kids liked it-Thanks for recipe!
In the words of my oldest child “DELISH!”. This one was a winner! Thanks for another great recipe! (Also, I used organic dark sweet cherries in place of the strawberries and I used dairy milk since it was the only milk I had in hand).
Hi! Anyone tried making this withiutbthe cottage cheese? Is it necessary? Is there an option for replacement? I am avoiding dairy.
Ummm! Yummy!!!
I have always loved anything cheesecake. Now I am 20w pregnant with twins and looking for any new ideas for getting more protein in my diet! I would have made this at 3 in the morning when I first saw the post but I didn’t want to wake up the family by firing up my VitaMix!
Thank you Wellness Mama! This is delicious!!!
This looks delicious, will try it very soon..many thanks
This sounds great and I’m going to make it tomorrow! I would like to know though, if the chia seeds should be soaked before using? Thanks!
This sounds like a great smoothie! My daughter isn’t into smoothies any more so I’ve been putting spinach in brownies. I m going to try this smoothie for myself! Thanks
Hi Katie! I saw this on you IG feed and I made a mental note to make it. That same day I set about making my “Budwig” smoothie for my cancer and realized that I was essentially making something similar to your post! Ha ha! Budwig is two parts cottage cheese mixed with one part flax seed oil. I won’t get into the research of it, but I just thought oh cottage in a smoothie isn’t weird at all lol! Once I mix my cheese and flax I add in fruit and seeds then blend for a thick filling smoothie. I give this to my kids too as I homeschool and have five kids it’s easier just to feed my whole family my anti cancer diet:)
Wonder if I could sub plain Greek yogurt for the cottage cheese? Sounds like a delicious smoothie!
Yep 🙂 I just love cottage cheese for the extra protein
Collagen goes in anything I can possibly get it in at our house! I just put smoothies back on our breakfast rotation, will definitely try this with the kids, as I’m trying to get more recipes for them to use when I have baby #7 in July.