High Protein Blueberry Breakfast Smoothie with Cottage Cheese

This creamy high-protein blueberry cottage cheese smoothie will be your new morning bestie!  Ready in under 5 minutes, this smoothie uses cottage cheese as the star ingredient, providing over 25 grams of protein per cup!  With the added fiber and antioxidants from blueberries, this smoothie is the perfect balanced meal to keep you feeling full and satisfied through the morning. Ideal for busy mornings or anytime you need a quick and simple breakfast or snack option!

As a dietitian who’s all about intuitive eating, I’m big on meals that are nourishing and satisfying both mentally and physically. And let me tell you, this blueberry cottage cheese smoothie is a prime example! It seriously tastes like a blueberry cheesecake in a glass while packing in the nutrition.

Cottage cheese not only gives the creamiest, richest texture, it adds a major boost of protein to start the day (which keeps you full longer and helps keeps blood sugars stable)! Pile in the fiber and antioxidant rich blueberries, banana and spinach and you have a balanced and satisfying meal or snack in minutes. 

I understand the morning struggles, trust me. Which is why I love creating and sharing balanced breakfast options that not only nourish you but also fit seamlessly into your routine. 

Looking for more quick and easy smoothie ideas to streamline your mornings? Check out these 15 balanced meal prep smoothie recipes I’ve curated just for you!

Ingredients You Need For This High Protein Blueberry Breakfast Smoothie with Cottage Cheese

Blueberries: These truly are nature’s candy; they’re packed with antioxidants and add the perfect natural sweetness to smoothies or other breakfast recipes like this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal.

Banana: I love bananas in smoothies. They add the perfect creamy texture plus, they’re a good source of potassium. I prefer frozen bananas to keep the smoothie cold (and thicker) but fresh will work too.

Cottage Cheese: Let’s talk about cottage cheese – it’s not just for snacking! With its creamy texture and impressive protein profile (over 25 grams per cup), it’s the secret ingredient that makes this smoothie irresistibly smooth and satisfying. It’s also such a versatile ingredient, I recently used it in this egg bite recipe and it did not disappoint!

Milk: Whether you prefer dairy or plant-based, milk is the liquid base that brings all the ingredients together. My go to is typically 2% or an unsweetened vanilla oat or almond milk. 

Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to your smoothie, complementing the fresh flavor or the blueberries and banana perfectly. Bonus – cinnamon may also help balance blood sugars! 

Spinach: I love adding a handful of greens to smoothies for an easy extra serving of veggies. Spinach is my go to but baby kale, romaine or mixed greens works too!

Add-ins: Chia seeds or hemp hearts. These nutritional powerhouses aren’t just for show – they bring an extra boost of goodness to your smoothie. Choose chia seeds for their fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, or opt for hemp hearts which are also a great source of Omega-3s and provide extra protein (about 10 grams per 3 Tbsp). 

How to Make High Protein Blueberry Breakfast Smoothie with Cottage Cheese

Can A Smoothie Be Your Breakfast?

Encouraging a shift in perspective around food is a core aspect of my work with clients in the Make Food Feel Good Program. Throughout the 12 weeks we work to build a positive and peaceful relationship with food, learn to trust your body again and find confidence in your daily eating habits. 

When it comes to starting our day off right, breakfast plays a pivotal role. While old diet rules may have you believing it’s best to “hold off” as long as you can, or survive off of nothing but coffee until noon, trust me, this will backfire! 

Skipping breakfast will likely leave you feeling sluggish, irritable and ravenous come lunch time (cue the out of control eating). Enjoying a well balanced breakfast gets your metabolism going for the day, sets you up for more regulated blood sugars and appetite throughout the day, and is a great way to pack in some delicious nutritions to start the day!

Smoothies can absolutely fit the breakfast role, but like any other meal, aiming for some balance will ensure they keep you full and satisfied longer than 30 minutes. A well-rounded smoothie should include not only fruits and veggies but also protein (like cottage cheese, greek yogurt or protein powder), carbs/fiber (like the blueberries, banana and spinach here or you could even consider adding something like oats for a little more staying power), and nourishing fats (you may find this in your cottage cheese, milk or yogurt or could add something like avocado, hemp hearts or chia seeds). Find my formula for how to build a satisfying smoothie here! Last but not least, listening to our hunger cues is key. If a smoothie alone doesn’t quite satisfy your appetite, consider pairing it with a piece of toast topped with peanut butter or enjoy a larger snack an hour or so later. Tuning into our body’s signals allows us to honor our hunger and ensure we’re adequately nourished throughout the day.

If you ever find yourself caught up in feelings of guilt or constantly overanalyzing your food choices and want a bit more support, check out our group coaching program to see how we can help! Together, we can break free from restrictive food rules and embrace a happier, more balanced approach to eating that nourishes both body and mind.

Nutritional Benefits (Nutrition by Addition)

This recipe is a perfect example of nutrition by addition – an intuitive eating principle that looks at what you can add to your plate instead of what you *should cut out*.

Blueberries: These little berries aren’t just delicious; they’re also antioxidants and vitamin C- rich, supporting your immune system digestion.

Bananas: Not only do they bring natural sweetness to the table, but they’re also rich in potassium, and soluble fiber, promoting heart health and providing a quick, yet sustainable energy boost.

Cottage cheese: I know that cottage cheese has been seen as a diet food at times but remember, diet culture doesn’t get to claim any food! Cottage cheese is a versatile ingredient packed with protein (almost 30g per cup!), B12, and calcium, supporting muscle repair, red blood cell production, and bone health It also provides the creamiest texture making recipes like this mac and cheese and this French onion cottage cheese dip even more satisfying!

Spinach: Spinach brings a powerhouse of nutrients including iron, vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immune, blood, and bone health while adding a vibrant green hue to your smoothie. Added nutrition, without taking away from the enjoyment and satisfaction of the smoothie!

Recipe, Kitchen, & Time Saving Hacks

Freeze extra blueberries and bananas: If you’re someone who loves whipping up smoothies regularly, it’s a smart move to stash away some extra blueberries and bananas. Whether you’re working with fresh or frozen, having these ingredients on standby ensures you’re always ready for a delicious and nutritious blend whenever the mood strikes. If you have fresh blueberries and bananas, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then pop them into a sealable freezer bag for effortless smoothie prep down the line.

Get creative with your smoothie ingredients: Smoothies are an amazing way to use up leftover fruits and veggies that might otherwise go to waste. Consider adding in kale, spinach, or even leftover avocado for an extra nutrient boost. Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments – I love hearing about your kitchen experiments!

If you make this High Protein Blueberry Breakfast Smoothie with Cottage Cheese, it would make my day if you would leave a comment and/or star rating below— I love hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @lindsaypleskot.rd so I can see your versions! It makes me so happy to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens! Xo

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