Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Cottage Cheese Protein Smoothie (Ultra-Creamy, High-Protein & Surprisingly Smooth)

Sarah Smith
2 days ago
2 min read

A pink smoothie in a mason jar topped with blueberries and red sprinkles, featuring a bronze straw. Lemon slices in the blurred background.

This Cottage Cheese Protein Smoothie is thick, creamy, and surprisingly smooth, blending cottage cheese, banana, and vanilla into a high-protein smoothie that tastes mild and comforting — not savory at all. Cottage cheese creates a rich, velvety texture while delivering a powerful protein boost that keeps you full and energized for hours.

If you enjoy protein-forward smoothies like the Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt Smoothie or the Vanilla Protein Breakfast Smoothie, this recipe is a great addition to your rotation. It offers a simple, affordable way to boost protein without relying on protein powder, making it perfect for everyday mornings.

Why You’ll Love This

High in protein without protein powder
Thick, creamy texture with a neutral, lightly sweet flavor
Budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients
Keeps you full longer than most fruit smoothies
Great for breakfast or post-workout fuel

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 large smoothie

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 320
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 18g

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
1 ripe banana
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Handful of ice cubes

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 30–45 seconds.
Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Full-fat cottage cheese creates the creamiest texture, but low-fat works well too.
If your cottage cheese is very thick, add a splash more milk while blending.
A high-speed blender gives the smoothest result with no curds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this smoothie taste like cottage cheese?

No. Once blended, cottage cheese becomes completely smooth with a mild, neutral flavor similar to Greek yogurt.

Is this smoothie high in protein?

Yes. Cottage cheese is naturally high in protein, making this smoothie very filling without protein powder.

Can I make this smoothie dairy-free?

Not with cottage cheese, but you can substitute a dairy-free high-protein yogurt for a similar texture.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking.

Can I add more flavor?

Absolutely. Cinnamon, peanut butter, berries, or cocoa powder all blend in beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Protein Smoothie is proof that high-protein breakfasts don’t need complicated ingredients or supplements. It’s creamy, filling, and easy enough to make part of your everyday routine — especially when you want something simple that actually keeps you satisfied.