This Berry Protein Smoothie packs 35 grams of protein in one serving! Not only is it filling, but it's also delicious with lots of mixed berries.
Made with cottage cheese, protein powder, and seeds, this healthy berry smoothie is made without using yogurt and is one of my favorite breakfast recipes.
These berry protein smoothies only take 5 minutes to make and can be made ahead to store in the freezer so you can just blend the ingredients as needed.
I love a good smoothie recipe, especially these mixed berry smoothies without yogurt. They are so refreshing and easy to make, but also very filling.
Because these berry protein smoothies take 5 minutes to make, they're perfect for breakfast on the go. Not only that, but they won't give you a huge sugar crash or massive cravings a few short hours later with the balance of protein.
This is especially great for anyone who has migraine attacks and needs to keep their blood sugar balanced, but also wants a quick meal.
Why I love berry protein smoothies:
- Blood sugar balanced - Most smoothie recipes give you a huge intake of sugar quickly and can leave you feeling hungry a short time later. This one balances the fruit with lots of healthy protein.
- Customizable - Choose from different protein powder options, use a low sodium cottage cheese, or change up the berries. You can even make this into a smoothie bowl with granola.
- Meal prep - Make these ahead and store them in the freezer by placing the ingredients in a small bag to throw into the blender when you're ready to make.
- Great for brain health - With lots of antioxidants, berries are great for memory and brain health, but this smoothie can also use coconut water for added electrolytes. This makes it a great option for an easy meal replacement for migraine attacks.
If you love smoothies without yogurt, give my anti-inflammatory smoothie or blueberry smoothie a try!
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Best Blenders for Smoothies
A great smoothie requires a good blender. If you have leftover chunks of ice or frozen fruit, it is time to upgrade your blender for the best results.
Here are a few I recommend that I have used personally:
- Vitamix - I've had mine for 10 years and it's great.
- Ninja - Very popular with some readers.
- Nutribullet Ideal if you plan to only make dishes for one person.
Ingredients
- Mixed berries and cherries - I like to use Trader Joe's very cherry berry blend. But you can used all mixed berries and add frozen cherries. The frozen cherries add a great flavor and sweetness.
- Cottage cheese - Packed with protein, this makes the smoothie creamy and thick.
- Protein powder - I recommend going with a plant-based protein that doesn't have a strong flavor like pumpkin seed protein.
- Hemp seeds - These also add protein as well as fiber, magnesium, B vitamins and iron. They also boost omega-3 content which can prevent migraine attacks and improve brain health.
- Vanilla extract - For smoothies I like to use non-alcoholic vanilla.
- Spinach - Just a handful to add some greens, or you could use kale as well for a lower histamine substitute. This is optional!
- Honey or lucuma powder to sweeten - Honey is the easy option, but for a sweetener with a low glycemic index, try lucuma powder!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add ingredients in the blender.
- Blend and use a tamper if needed - Blend over low to medium speed at first, raising to high as everything gets combined. Use a blender tamper to push the frozen berries down, if needed. This helps to eliminate any frozen chunks in the smoothie.
- Taste and adjust any sweetness or add consistency. For a thicker smoothie, add more fruit and avoid adding a lot of ice, which will water down the flavor.
- Top with any favorites including extra hemp seeds, berries, or granola.
Add Ins and Substitutions
You can easily customize these berry protein smoothies with the following options!
- Milk - For a really creamy smoothie, replace water with regular milk, hemp milk, oat milk, rice milk or coconut milk.
- Cottage cheese - Can substitute yogurt if not following a migraine elimination diet.
- Water - Use coconut water instead of regular for extra electrolytes.
- Seeds - Add in chia, hemp, flax seeds or sunflower seed butter.
- Protein powder - See my options for migraine friendly protein powder, or use your favorite.
- To make a smoothie bowl - Add more frozen fruit or cauliflower to thicken it up even more.
How to Meal Prep
This mixed berry smoothie with cottage cheese will stay fresh in the fridge for about 1 hour before the texture becomes thick and gelatinous. If you want to meal prep these smoothies, here are a few tips.
- Add all the ingredients except the liquid to a small, freezer-safe bag. Then freeze flat. Store these smoothie bags for up to 6 months.
- When you're ready to make, add the frozen ingredients to your blender and add in liquid. Blend according to the directions.
Prepping these berry protein smoothies ahead will save you a bunch of time and money compared to ordering them from a service or a smoothie shop.
Recipe FAQ
While you can use fresh fruit, I highly recommend frozen for the best consistency. With fresh fruit, it will be more like a thick drink versus a smoothie.
Berries are packed with antioxidants and great for brain health, but don't really make a full meal because they lack protein. Berry smoothies without protein can cause blood sugar spikes that leave you hungry just an hour or two later or can even trigger headaches or migraine attacks. Balancing a berry smoothie with protein is the best bet for a complete meal.
Cottage cheese adds a great amount of protein as well as protein powders, but you can also add additional protein with seeds or nuts (if tolerated).
Yes! Making this berry smoothie without yogurt or cottage cheese will just remove some of the creaminess and protein content. But the overall flavor will still be delicious.
Tips for Success
- Use a good quality blender - An old blender that isn't high-speed may not combine the ingredients as well.
- Add frozen berries instead of adding ice - Ice will water down the smoothie, so to thicken it more, use additional frozen berries or cherries.
- Make it your own - Don't be afraid to add more sweetener or additional fruits, especially if not using cherries.
Fruit Smoothies You May Like
Some of my most popular smoothies include my Mango Kiwi Smoothie, Cherry Vanilla Smoothie and Healthy Blueberry Smoothie.
If you're looking for more Smoothies without Yogurt I have plenty below!
If you make this, tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And if you love the recipe, please leave a review below! Follow along on my Pinterest for more great recipes.
Berry Protein Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 High speed blender
Ingredients
- 1½ cups frozen mixed berries *I used a berry/cherry blend
- 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 2 teaspoons alcohol-free vanilla extract
- ¾ cup water*
- Optional: handful of spinach or kale
- Optional: honey or lucuma powder to taste to sweeten
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large blender. Blend on low to medium speed until combined, finishing on high speed till fully blended. Taste and adjust for consistency and sweetness. Add more frozen berries for a thicker smoothie or more honey/lucuma powder to sweeten.
Notes
- For low sodium, use a low sodium cottage cheese brand like Friendship or omit entirely.
- Lucuma is a low glycemic index sweetener that can be found in health food stores or online. It has a butterscotch flavor, similar to banana.
- For electrolytes use coconut water instead of regular water. For creaminess, use whatever milk you like.
- Hemp seeds can be substituted with chia seeds or flax seeds.
- I recommend Sprouted Living pumpkin seed protein, or checking my post on protein powder options.
Ryanne says
This smoothie made a delicious lunch! Thank you!
Alicia says
Thank you, Ryanne!
Ruth says
So delicious! Thanks for a great recipe.