Healthy High-Protein Green Smoothie with Apple
This delicious, high-protein green smoothie is packed with 24 grams of protein from almond milk, cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, and chia seeds, combined with spinach, kale, apple, and almond butter. It’s a refreshing and satisfying option for those looking to enjoy a nutritious, protein-rich smoothie with a balance of leafy greens and healthy fats.
My Healthy High-Protein Green Smoothie is creamy, naturally sweet, and full of fresh, feel-good ingredients like almond milk, spinach, kale, apple, cottage cheese, almond butter, and vanilla protein powder. Itās one of my favorite quick breakfasts or post-workout snacks because it actually keeps me full and satisfied. With the mix of fiber, protein, carbs, and healthy fats, it helps keep energy steady without those mid-morning crashes.
When I first started making green smoothies about 20 years ago, I thought they had to taste green (basically like chewing on a lawn) to be good for you. Boy, was I wrong! Adding sweet apple totally changed everything ā now I crave that fresh, bright flavor. Later on, I started adding nut butter and cottage cheese for extra protein and creaminess, and it honestly feels like a treat every time.
I love knowing my tummy will be happy after drinking this, and itās one of those recipes thatās stuck around for good reason. It comes together so easily, tastes amazing, and always feels like a small act of kindness to myself.
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Why Youāll Love This Healthy Green Protein Smoothie Recipe
- Full of fresh ingredients like spinach, kale, and apple. Enjoy a naturally refreshing flavor that feels vibrant and energizing.
- Creamy and satisfying blend. Almond butter, cottage cheese, and vanilla protein powder give this smoothie a rich, smooth texture.
- Quick and easy to make. Perfect for busy mornings when you need a fast and nutritious option.
- A delicious way to get your greens. This smoothie makes adding leafy greens to your diet a simple, tasty treat!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best green smoothie recipe:
Almond Milk: Substitute with oat milk, unsweetened coconut milk, skim milk, cashew milk, whole milk, or soy milk.
Kale and Spinach: You can use any combination of leafy greens including, kale, fresh baby spinach, and chard. You can also use green veggies, including broccoli. I like to use a boxed kale spinach mix.
Apple: this adds natural sweetness and fiber. You can use any variety of apples. You can also replace it with a banana, orange, peach, or other naturally sweet fruit.
Plain Cottage Cheese: You can use full-fat cottage cheese or non-fat cottage. Also, large curd or small curd. You can also replace it with Greek yogurt or silken tofu. Or a dairy-free cottage cheese for a vegan option.
Protein Powder: You can use any variety of protein powder you like including whey protein or a plant-based protein powder. I prefer a vanilla flavored protein powder. You can also substitute it with collagen powder, hemp protein, or 1/4 cup of rolled oats.
Almond Butter: You can omit or swap it with peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
Chia Seeds: These are an excellent source of fiber. You can omit them or replace with flaxseeds or hemp seeds.
How to Make My Delicious Green Protein Smoothie Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy cottage cheese protein shake. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Blender
Pour 3/4 cup of almond milk into your high-speed blender. Then add 1 cup of kale, 1 cup of spinach, 1/2 apple, 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons of protein powder, 1 tablespoon of almond butter, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for added fiber and nutrients.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Blend all the ingredients on high until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour the smoothie into a glass, serve immediately, and enjoy your nutritious, high-protein green smoothie!
Expert Recipe Tips
Texture Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add 1/2 cup almond milk or a few more ice cubes. For a thinner consistency, add an extra splash of almond milk.
Sweetness: Taste your smoothie before serving; if you prefer it sweeter, add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a few drops of stevia.
Meal Prep: To save time, portion out the ingredients (except the liquid) into individual freezer bags. In the morning, just add the contents to your blender with almond milk.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Add Frozen Fruit: Boost the flavor by adding a handful of frozen berries or a frozen banana to your smoothie. This will not only make it colder and creamier but also add natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Incorporate Fresh Ginger: For a zesty kick, grate some fresh ginger into your smoothie. Ginger complements the green ingredients and adds anti-inflammatory properties.
- Splash of Citrus: Enhance the bright, refreshing taste with a squeeze of lemon juice, lime juice, or orange juice. The citrus notes will elevate the tropical flavors and add a dose of vitamin C.
- Top with Crunchy Seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or flax seeds on top of your smoothie for added texture and nutrition. These seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch.
- Create a Tropical Green Protein Smoothie Bowl: Transform your smoothie into a nourishing bowl by thickening it with less liquid. Top with slices of frozen banana, a mix of frozen berries, a drizzle of lemon or lime juice, and a handful of seeds for a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the Best Protein Powder for Smoothies
I get a lot of questions about the best protein powders to add to smoothies. Protein powders generally fall into two categories: animal-based and plant-based.
Animal-based protein powders are known for providing a complete amino acid profile, which is helpful for muscle maintenance and recovery. These powders are typically digested quickly, which is why theyāre often used post-workout. However, I personally avoid too much dairy, so I don’t rely on these.
- Whey protein
- Casein protein
- Egg protein
- Beef protein
- Collagen protein
For a plant-based option, plant-based protein powders are a great choice. Although they may not offer a full amino acid profile individually, combining sources like pea and hemp can achieve that balance. Theyāre lower in cholesterol and fat, which makes them ideal for heart-healthy diets.
- Pea protein
- Brown rice protein
- Hemp protein
- Soy protein
- Quinoa protein
- Chia protein
- Flaxseed protein
Sweeteners in Protein Powders
Choosing a sweetener is also important. Hereās a breakdown of the common sweeteners:
- Artificial Sweeteners: These may help cut calories but can cause digestive issues.
- Sugar Alcohols: These sweeteners provide fewer calories but may cause bloating for some.
- Natural Sweeteners: Monkfruit and stevia are natural options, but some find them too intense.
- Traditional Sweeteners: Honey and maple syrup are natural and taste great, but I use them in moderation.
As with any dietary choice, itās important to find the option that suits your lifestyle. If you have specific health concerns, consult with a professional.
Here are Amazon links to my favorite naturally sweetened protein powders that are very affordably priced:
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Do you love smoothies? Check out more of my easy and nutritious breakfast smoothie recipes:
Healthy High-Protein Green Smoothie with Apple
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 cup kale leaves
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1/2 apple
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons protein powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 4 ice cubes
Instructions
- Pour 3/4 cup of almond milk into your high-speed blender. Then add 1 cup of kale, 1 cup of spinach, 1/2 apple, 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons of protein powder, 1 tablespoon of almond butter, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for added fiber and nutrients.
- Blend all the ingredients on high until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour the smoothie into a glass, serve immediately, and enjoy your nutritious, high-protein green smoothie!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
This was very refreshing and delicious!
Thank you!
Hi Carolyn, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! š
Iām a huge smoothie fan, and this one did not dissapoint š
Thank you for the review! š
I loved the flavor of this!
Thank you, Fran! š
Soooo good! I love the apple. I haven’t tried that before.
I’m so excited to share this smoothie recipe with you! It is naturally sweet and full of protein!