Creamy. Sweet. Protein-packed. No banana aftertaste. Just a thick, dreamy swirl of strawberry bliss.
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Chill Time: 1 hour (optional for firmer texture)
- Protein: ~25g per serving
- WW Points: ~2–3 (depends on protein used)
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries (or mixed berries)
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla or strawberry whey protein powder (or plant-based)
- 1–2 tbsp almond milk (or just enough to blend)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional:
– 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup or honey
– Pinch of sea salt
– 2–3 ice cubes for firmer texture
Instructions
- Blend the Base
Add frozen strawberries, cottage cheese, protein powder, almond milk, vanilla, and sweetener (if using) to a high-speed blender. - Scrape & Swirl
Blend until thick and creamy. Scrape down sides to ensure everything mixes evenly. Add a splash more milk only if needed. - Check Texture
It should be soft-serve consistency. For firmer ice cream, transfer to a bowl and freeze for 30–60 minutes. - Scoop & Serve
Top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, high-protein granola, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Substitutions & Swaps
| Ingredient | Swap With |
|---|---|
| Cottage Cheese | Greek yogurt, Skyr, or tofu |
| Frozen Strawberries | Raspberries, blueberries, or mango |
| Whey Protein | Plant-based vanilla or strawberry blend |
| Almond Milk | Coconut, oat, cashew, or water |
Tips for Success
- Creamier Texture: Use cottage cheese instead of yogurt.
- More Sweetness? Add ½ banana or 1 tsp powdered monk fruit.
- Want a Milkshake? Add extra liquid and blend longer.
Variations
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Ice Cream
Add 1 tsp cocoa powder + chocolate chips on top. - Strawberry Cheesecake Version
Blend in 1 crushed graham cracker + 1 tbsp light cream cheese. - PB&J Ice Cream
Add 1 tbsp peanut butter + extra berries.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as-is with a spoon straight from the blender.
- Sandwich between high-protein cookies for a quick ice cream sandwich.
- Swirl into your oatmeal for a hot/cold breakfast bowl.
- Scoop into silicone molds for popsicles.
Storage
- Best fresh. But can freeze in an airtight container.
- Let thaw for 5–10 mins before re-blending for creamy texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to add ice cubes or pre-freeze them for a true ice cream texture.
Q: Does this really taste like ice cream?
A: Surprisingly yes — if you use a good protein powder and cottage cheese, it’s thick, sweet, and indulgent.
Q: Is this keto-friendly?
A: It can be — just use a low-carb protein powder and swap strawberries for raspberries.
Story Time: Why I Fell in Love With This Recipe
I made this when I was craving something cold and sweet at 9 PM — without blowing up my protein or sugar goals.
Every “healthy” dessert I tried either:
- Tasted like protein powder
- Needed a frozen banana (and I hate them)
- Was way too complicated
Then I tried blending cottage cheese with berries.
Mind. Blown.
No chalky taste. No weird aftertaste. Just creamy strawberry perfection that hit like soft-serve ice cream.
Now it’s a weekly habit. Especially post-workout, late night, or anytime I’m tempted to door-dash something I’ll regret.
Caption Ideas (for your post)
Hook:
“This is what I make when I’m craving something sweet, thick, and creamy… but don’t want to ruin my day.”
Caption Variants:
- No banana. No blender drama. Just this dreamy strawberry swirl packed with 25g protein.
- Call me crazy, but this actually tastes better than Halo Top.
- If cottage cheese ice cream feels weird — try this once and thank me later.
- This hits different after dinner — especially when you’re trying to be “good” but your cravings don’t care.
- Dessert? Snack? Post-leg-day treat? Yes, yes, and YES.