This creamy orange creamsicle smoothie is the perfect way to cool-off on a sunny day or refuel your muscles after a hard work. It’s packed with 19 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.
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I talk a lot about how to eat healthy on the go – that’s what inspired this orange smoothie recipe. I have a boat-load of smoothie recipes using protein powder and Greek yogurt, so I thought it was time to mix up the menu. Cottage cheese to the rescue!
Using Cottage Cheese As A Protein Source In Smoothie Recipes
Cottage cheese is one of those foods that people either love or hate. For most, it’s the texture that gets in the way of enjoying it. The unique texture, though, isn’t an issue when you use it in a smoothie. One blended, it turns into a smooth liquid that adds lots of creaminess to a smoothie. In fact, you’d probably never guess it contained cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese increases the protein and calcium content of your smoothie, too – while keeping the fat content low. Unlike Greek yogurt or flavored protein powders, it doesn’t offer much in terms of sweetness. The key to making a delicious smoothie with cottage cheese is to mix it with the right ingredients.
How To Make A Protein-Packed Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
To make this smoothie, I recommend using a high powered blender. That way, you get all of the fibrous pieces of the orange, without actually swallowing pieces of fruit.
Peel the orange, then add it to a blender with ice, milk, cottage cheese, sugar and orange extract. Process until smooth, then pour and enjoy!
This orange smoothie delivers a delicious blend of wholesome ingredients, with a touch of sweetness too. I used a tbsp. of good old-fashioned sugar in this recipe, but you’re free to swap it out for honey, agave or your favorite sweetener. Using a different sweetener won’t change the added sugar content, but it will change the flavor. The strong orange flavor comes from the addition of orange extract, as well as the whole fruit itself.
I recommend using a high powered blender for this recipe – like a vita-mix or nuti-bullet pro. There are other blenders that would probably work well, too, but those are the ones I use. Using a high-powered blender helps to blend the fibrous pieces of the orange, without actually swallowing pieces of fruit.
This orange smoothie delivers a delicious blend of wholesome ingredients, with a touch of sweetness too. I used a tbsp. of good old-fashioned sugar in this recipe, but you’re free to swap it out for honey, agave or your favorite sweetener. Using a different sweetener won’t change the added sugar content, but it will change the flavor. The strong orange flavor comes from the addition of orange extract, as well as the whole fruit itself. The result is a thick, creamy nutritious smoothie that tastes like an orange creamsicle.
Go ahead- Pin this to your smoothie board!
Looking for other ways to add cottage cheese to your meals. Check out Five Delicious Ways to Eat Cottage Cheese.
Protein Packed Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1% fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1 orange
- 1 tbsp 5-6 drops orange extract
- ice
Instructions
- Instructions: Blend all ingredients in a high-powdered blender – Pour. Go.
Notes
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Tag @heathermangieri on Instagram and hashtag it #HeatherMangieriNutrition to all recipes. Or, Pin it on Pinterest for later!
Hi, I’m Heather – a registered dietitian, busy mom, consultant, adventure junkie and travel addict who has mastered living healthy on the go. My blog is where I share simple recipes and healthy living tips to help and inspire others to live their best life.