Breakfast

High-Protein Berry Smoothie

A creamy, lightly sweet berry smoothie made with cottage cheese, strawberries, blueberries, banana, and milk, with optional Greek yogurt, protein powder, or chia for an extra protein boost.

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High-Protein Berry Smoothie

This berry smoothie is quick enough for a busy morning and filling enough to carry you through to lunch. Cottage cheese blends into a creamy, mild base with plenty of protein, while strawberries, blueberries, and banana bring natural sweetness and a beautiful colour.

It is an easy homemade breakfast for the whole family: children can add the measured fruit to the blender, then choose whether they want Greek yogurt, protein powder, or chia. Use dairy or a fortified non-dairy milk, and adjust the sweetness to suit the berries.

At a glance

Prep
5 min
Cook
0 min
Total
5 min
Yield
2 smoothies
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium ripe banana, sliced
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup milk or unsweetened fortified soy milk
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 to 2 tsp honey or maple syrup, to taste (optional)
  • A small handful of ice, only if needed

Method

  1. Add the milk to the blender first, followed by the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt if using, strawberries, blueberries, banana, protein powder if using, and chia if using. Starting with the liquid helps the blades move smoothly.

    Hands adding berries, banana, cottage cheese and milk to a blender
    Add the liquid first, then layer in the fruit and protein-rich ingredients.

  2. Blend on low for 20 seconds, then increase to high and blend for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed; blend again until no cottage-cheese curds remain.

  3. Check the texture and flavour: add a splash more milk for a thinner smoothie, a few ice cubes for extra chill, or a little honey if the berries are tart.

  4. Pour into two glasses and serve right away. If making it ahead, refrigerate in sealed jars and shake well before drinking.

    Hands pouring a thick berry smoothie into two clear glasses
    Pour and serve the smoothie while it is cold and creamy.
A thick berry smoothie with strawberries, blueberries, banana, and cottage cheese.
A thick berry smoothie with strawberries, blueberries, banana, and cottage cheese.

Tips & Swaps

  • For a smoother texture, use full-fat or small-curd cottage cheese and blend thoroughly. A lactose-free cottage cheese and milk work well too.
  • For children, skip the protein powder unless its ingredients are appropriate for them; the cottage cheese and milk already provide protein.
  • Frozen banana makes the smoothie sweeter and thicker. Freeze sliced ripe banana and use it in place of fresh banana, with less ice.
  • The protein amount depends on the cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, and powder brands, so check their labels if you are tracking nutrition.