Watermelon Juice 101: How to Make, Store, and Serve with a Boost

I’m here to give you all the juicy details about watermelon juice. Not just why I personally adore it, but why you will be hard-pressed not to love it too! Ex-squeeze me for all the puns. Also, learn how to make watermelon juice at home, how to store it plus how long it will stay fresh, and discover simple 1-ingredient stir-ins to entertain your taste buds.

At 92% water, watermelon is one of my favorite choices to stay hydrated, especially after runs, workouts and other active endeavors. During the summer season, icy cold juice (or even handful of frozen cubes) is so refreshing and in the winter months, I’ve been known to warm it up, which is surprisingly delicious. Either way, an 8-ounce serving of watermelon juice provides me fluids, vitamins and minerals that my body needs like vitamin C (19.4mg), vitamin A (67.2mcg), and B6 (108mcg), potassium (269mg), and lycopene (10.9mg).

Watermelon is a Smart Alternative to Soda

If had to name one vice, it would be drinking soda. But swapping with watermelon juice satisfies my craving in a naturally sweet way and helps me avoid the refined sugar, caffeine and artificial stuff.  At 72 calories per 8-ounce serving, watermelon juice is a great alternative to sodas – plus you can even add sparkling water to make it a bigger, bubblier treat.

How to Make Watermelon Juice

Watermelon juice is really something you should make at home if you want to ensure the best beverage every time plus save a ton of money. I’ve seen bottled fresh watermelon juice in some better stores, but you really have to scrutinize the label to make sure you’re getting 100% juice and not flavorings and sugar fillers. Also, those elusive cold-pressed bottles of watermelon juice out there are expensive – anywhere from $3 to $5 or more for a “single” serving bottle.  Heck for $5 or a little more here in Texas, I can get the whole watermelon and make much, much more juice (plus have leftovers enjoy a wedge or two on the side). 

Also, here’s an easy watermelon juice tutorial from Watermelon.org You can see it’s as easy as cutting, blending and straining (if you desire).

Straining watermelon juice is not necessary, just stir up pulp before serving.

You can also avoid food waste by making watermelon juice with the remaining flesh of a cut watermelon that is over-ripe or is about to reach expiration in the fridge. Watermelon.org says that a large watermelon can last up to 7 days chilled between 9°F and 36°F.  Also, I have another watermelon juice collecting hack. After I cut up a big watermelon to store in the fridge, I pour off the seeped juice sitting in the bottom of the container every night and morning – it’s amazing how much juice you collect, even when you end up eating all the watermelon! I also feel like it helps keep the texture of the cut watermelon at its best.

How Long Does Watermelon Juice Stay Fresh? Watermelon juice, because it is fresh and unpasteurized, should be consumed in 24 to 72 hours after juicing and kept chilled between 9°F-36°F In addition, the USDA recommends not leaving unpasteurized juice sitting out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth. At this time, watermelon juice can be frozen for longer term storage

How to Freeze Watermelon Juice Freeze watermelon juice within 24-72 hours of making it and having storing it properly in the fridge. You can freeze watermelon juice for up to 6 to 12 months in a freezer set to 0°F.  Freeze watermelon juice in glass canning jars, air-tight freezer containers (tubs or heavy baggies), or even ice cube trays (later pop out and store in a freezer bag).  Make sure that your container has enough headroom at the top, about 1 or 2 inches for a jar, to allow for expansion during the freezing process.  When ready to thaw, please set in the refrigerator overnight rather than leaving on the counter

Other Food Safety Tips for Cutting Watermelon & Juicing

Only use watermelon that are free from signs of damage. Bruises, fissures and mushy spots could indicate contamination. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting watermelons. Before cutting watermelon for juicing (or just eating), wash the outer surface thoroughly with cool tap water to remove surface dirt. Use a clean knife. Chill cut watermelon within 4 hours of cutting and store between 9°F-36°F for no more than 7 days.

Single-Ingredient Watermelon Juice “Mix-Ins”

Looking for a simple way to switch it up! Have fun with these easy flavor ideas to boost your watermelon juice.

Watermelon Juice Pro-Tips for School-Age Parents:

  • Pour watermelon juice into ice-pop molds for a naturally sweet dessert.
  • Add a frozen bottle of watermelon juice to a child’s lunchbox as a drink that will thaw out by lunch and also keep the lunchbox cool.
  • Add sparkling water to watermelon juice as a faux-soda for children who are starting to beg for bubbly drinks.
Simple Watermelon Juice (1 ingredient)
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

Enjoy a refreshing, hydrating, nutrient-packed beverage by making watermelon juice. Making your own watermelon juice is much more economical the purchasing fresh in the store (if you can even find it). So great for post workout refueling (or to make cocktails and mocktails)!

Course: Beverage, beverages, Fruit
Keyword: fruit, immersion blender, juice, juicing, watermelon
Ingredients
  • 1 watermelon (or part of one watermelon) cut into 1" chunks
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
MIX-INS: Add to 8-ounces watermelon juice:
  • tbsp. Lemon or Lime Juice
  • 3 drops Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 tsp. ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. grated Ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. Sriracha Sauce
  • 2 tbsp. Collagen Powder
  • Pinch Himalayan Sea Salt
  • 1- oz. Tequila Vodka or Rum
MIXERS – Choose one, mix 50/50 with juice:
  • Sparkling Mineral Water
  • Vegetable Blend Juice
  • Prosecco Wine
  • Hot or Iced Tea
Instructions
  1.  Wash outside of watermelon. Slice and cut into1” chunks.    .

  2.  Place in blender pitcher, and pulse for about 15to 30 seconds until liquified.

  3. Pour through strainer to remove pulp. Discard pulp to compost or save for another use.

  4. If preferred, you can leave pulp in juice for a thicker effect. Remember to stir back in before serving.

  5. Store in fridge for 24to 72 hours or freeze inair-tight containers for up to 12 months.

  6. Amazing to drink "as-is" but add optional mix-ins or mixers, as desired, to satisfy any given mood.

Recipe Notes

Nutritious Pantry Staples for Quick Meals & Snacks

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

March is National Nutrition Month. It’s a great time to become better informed about your food choices and make any tweaks necessary to support healthful eating that fuels your body and goals.

March is National Nutrition Month, a great time make informed food choices and add better-for-you staples to the pantry. Find out my must-have condiments, prepped whole grains, and nuts I keep on hand for easy meal and snack making.

For example, my goal is to eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits and veggies, and whole-grain carbs to give me enough energy to perform my runs and workouts along with the proper nutrients to recover quickly. I like making homemade meals, but often convenience is king. However, I’m not willing to scrap my nourishing meals for takeout, so I keep my pantry stocked with quality convenience foods, condiments and better-for-me snacks to help ensure success.

Nutritious Pantry Staples for Quick Meals & Snacks  

is Organic Coconut Aminos from Coconut Secret -- organic, non GMO, lower sodium, soy free. A great substitute for soy sauce.
Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos are a lower sodium, soy-free way to add flavor!

Coconut Aminos: One of my must-have pantry staples is Organic Coconut Aminos from Coconut Secret. For those of you who don’t do soy products or are being mindful of salt consumption, this soy sauce alternative really delivers that slightly sweet yet savory punch of umami you crave from a condiment. Made from hand-harvested, naturally fermented organic coconut blossoms, the only other ingredient in Coconut Aminos, is just a hint of sea salt. Coconut Aminos has 72% less sodium than the leading soy sauce brand. It’s also gluten-free, msg-free, has no added sugar, and is Whole30 approved. A 1:1 ratio soy sauce replacement, I use Organic Coconut Aminos in so many ways including in my ramen bowls, in marinades and glazes for grilling and oven roasting, and in veggie skillets.

Mighty Sesame Organic Tahini is a delicious seed based product ready to drizzle on salads, sandwiches and more thanks to the awesome squirt bottle.
I love how Might Sesame Co. Tahini comes in a squirt bottle – so convenient!

Tahini:  It’s amazing what kind of amazingly flavorful dishes you can create in a flash with a bottle of Mighty Sesame Organic Tahini. If you’re not familiar with tahini, it’s a creamy product made from sesame seeds. The squeeze-bottle on the Mighty Sesame Harissa Tahini is SO CONVENIENT and VERSATILE — it’s shelf-stable, always creamy, always drizzle-ready and is kicked up with a little bit of roasted chili pepper! There is no gunky stirring and spooning from a jar like I’ve persevered with other tahini brands. Perfect to drizzle on salads, grain bowls, tacos and raw veggie snacking for a boost of flavor, healthy fats and extra protein (7g per serving). Suitable for vegan, glute-free, dairy-free, kosher, and halal diets.

Minute rice cups and brown rice & quinoa cups can be made in 60 seconds. Simple ingredients, nothing artificial, no weird processing. The cups are BPA free and can be recycled.
Oh, hello! Wholesome whole grains in 60 seconds with Minute rice cups!

Pre-Cooked Grains: Keeping shelf-stable, pre-cooked grains (like rice and quinoa) in the pantry allows for quick, creative meal-making on even the busiest nights. I’ve stocked up with Minute rice cups, they are easily made in the microwave in about 60 seconds, perfectly portioned so I don’t overeat, and feature just quality rice – no weird chemicals, harmful ingredients, or weird processing methods. Even the plastic cups are BPA-free and can be recycled.  The Minute Basmati microwavable rice cups offer that nutty, aromatic rice experience that’s hard to resist and Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa microwavable rice cups have a delightful texture with chewy brown rice and crunchy quinoa. Both are non-GMO, preservative-free, MSG-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. These easy rice cups are a smart and simple way to add the beneficial nutrients, like fiber from whole grains, into your busy lifestyle.

Looking for a vegan nutella? Classic Hazelnut Spread from Nutiva is a win-win with delicious creamy hazelnut taste and 40% less sugar than the leading brand.
Yes, please! Nutiva Hazelnut Spread with 40% less sugar than the leading brand.

Nut-based Spreads: Naturally, almond butter, cashew butter and peanut butter are always stocked in my pantry – -but sometimes something chocolatey can really sooth that sweet tooth!  When cravings hit, I grab a jar of Nutiva Organic Classic Hazelnut Spread from the pantry. It’s creamy, it’s decadent-tasting, it’s delicious all while being a product I can feel good about eating. Not only does it have 40-percent less sugar that the leading brand (that’s huge!), it’s non-GMO, suitable for vegan diets and the hazelnuts are harvested in a way that is rainforest and orangutan safe.  My favorite ways to enjoy this vegan nutella -like spread is to smear it on whole-grain toast, drizzle on my oatmeal, or use as a dip for fruit!

Flavored nuts that are mess free? RECIPE 33 infused almonds are nutritious, delicious and don't leave unwanted residue on your fingers.
The first rule of game night is to always have nuts nearby! RECIPE 33 infused almonds keep my hands neat and are yummy to eat!

Nuts: I LOVE nuts, especially almonds! They store so well in the pantry and are a good source of grab-and-go nutrients including fiber, protein, vitamin e and more. A favorite brand is RECIPE 33 infused almonds, not only for the inherent benefits of nuts, but also because the are flavored yet mess free! A proprietary, small-batch process takes real ingredients to infuse flavor into each almond without artificial flavors or additives. The result is an amazingly flavorful snack that leaves no messy, oily, sticky or other unwanted residue on your hands. These mess free almonds are so perfect for squashing hunger when out and about (I keep a bag in my purse), on salads and other recipes, or for charcuterie boards!  Save $2 on any 4-ounce infused almond bag with code Try RECIPE33. SHOP HERE

How to Make the Best Popped Quinoa

Toasting quinoa gives it a great texture, fabulous aroma, and magnifies the nutty flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to add more of this ancient grain (which is actually a seed), into your diet – the health benefits of quinoa are plentiful. It’s a good source of plant protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, just to name a few.

Popping quinoa gives it a wonderful aroma, crunchy yet chewy texture, and nutty flavor -- eat like popcorn, toss on everything from yogurt to salads, or use as an ingredient in recipes like energy balls or granola bars.
Whether you call it Toasted, Puffed or Popped, prepping quinoa this way will make you smile.

 The process of toasting quinoa is also referred to as “popping” or “puffing.” Store-bought puffed quinoa (like quinoa cereal) is very light and crispy. This is achieved through commercial-grade equipment and not 100-percent replicable at home. But just throwing quinoa kernels into a skillet (as is the usual method mentioned on internet sources), yields a very dry, hard result – almost like chewing on sand.

The best method for popping quinoa at home, in my opinion, is to cook it first, dry it out in the oven, and then pop on the skillet for a few minutes. I think you get a bigger “finished” kernel with better textures – it’s crunchy-chewy, but doesn’t feel like a mouthful of pea gravel.

Popping quinoa gives it a wonderful aroma, crunchy yet chewy texture, and nutty flavor -- eat like popcorn, toss on everything from yogurt to salads, or use as an ingredient in recipes like energy balls or granola bars. For more meal prep tips and quinoa recipes visit thefitfork.com

Here is the step-by-step on how to pop quinoa (you can also check out my PIN TUTORIAL).

Rinse quinoa in bowl of water and drain off in an extra fine-mesh strainer to remove the natural coating which can have a soapy, bitter taste. However, some people don’t notice an unpleasant taste, then lucky you – skip this somewhat tedious step!

Simmer 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 1 ¼ cups of water for 15 minutes, with lid on – or until water is absorbed.

Popping quinoa gives it a wonderful aroma, crunchy yet chewy texture, and nutty flavor -- eat like popcorn, toss on everything from yogurt to salads, or use as an ingredient in recipes like energy balls or granola bars.

Dry out quinoa (which will have expanded to 3 cups) by spreading out on a rimmed, standard-sized sheet pan. Bake for 30 minutes 175F degrees to further dry out excess moisture. Every 10 minutes, use spatula to stir up quinoa, break apart any clumps, and keep from sticking on the pan.

Popping quinoa gives it a wonderful aroma, crunchy yet chewy texture, and nutty flavor -- eat like popcorn, toss on everything from yogurt to salads, or use as an ingredient in recipes like energy balls or granola bars.

Skillet pop quinoa after you remove it from oven. Work in 1-cup batches, toast in large non-stick skillet, stirring constantly (no oil needed). Quinoa will be toasted properly when you hear the tiny popping sounds and it is turning golden brown and developing a crunchy texture.

Popping quinoa gives it a wonderful aroma, crunchy yet chewy texture, and nutty flavor -- eat like popcorn, toss on everything from yogurt to salads, or use as an ingredient in recipes like energy balls or granola bars.

You can use popped quinoa or toasted quinoa in a variety of ways. For example, add salt and eat like popcorn, sprinkle on salads or on yogurt, use in granola-bar type recipes. It’s one of my favorite ways to meal prep quinoa.  What you don’t use can be kept in the fridge in a zip top bag for a week.

Pumpkin Seed Popped Quinoa Balls
Popped Quinoa (also called Puffed Quinoa or Toasted Quinoa)

Popping quinoa gives it a wonderful aroma, crunchy yet chewy texture, and nutty flavor — eat like popcorn, toss on everything from yogurt to salads, or use as an ingredient in recipes like energy balls or granola bars.

Course: meal prep, side, Snack
Keyword: meal prep, quinoa, whole grains
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dry uncooked quinoa, any color
  • 1 1/4 cup water
Instructions
  1. Rise quinoa in bowl of water and drain off in a fine-mesh strainer to remove the natural coating which can have a soapy, bitter taste. However, some people don’t notice an unpleasant taste, then lucky you – skip this somewhat tedious step!
  2. Simmer 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 1 ¼ cups of water for 15 minutes, with lid on – or until water is absorbed.
  3. Spread out quinoa (which will have expanded to 3 cups) out on a rimmed, standard-sized sheet pan.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes 175F degrees to further dry out excess moisture. Every 10 minutes, use spatula to stir up quinoa, break apart any clumps, and keep from sticking on the pan.
  5. Remove quinoa from oven and, working in 1-cup batches, toast in large non-stick skillet, stirring constantly (no oil needed).
  6. Quinoa will be toasted properly when you hear the tiny popping sounds and it is turning golden brown and developing a crunchy texture.
  7. You can use popped quinoa or toasted quinoa in a variety of ways. For example, add salt and eat like popcorn, sprinkle on salads or on yogurt, use in granola-bar type recipes. What you don’t use can be kept in the fridge in a zip top bag for a week.

Hatch Green Chile Chicken Egg Bake

Love a hearty, hot meal in the morning, like one of my favorite make-ahead breakfast casseroles – Hatch Green Chile Chicken Egg Bake. Wholesome goodness baked up in a 9”x13” dish, ready to cut into satisfying, satiating, super scrumptious squares.

Hatch Green Chile Chicken Egg Bake: This hearty but well-balanced breakfast bake is also perfect for brunch, lunch and a light dinner! Gluten free, lower carb -- 21g protein for long-lasting energy. Great for a crowd, or meal prep and freeze in single-serve portions to reheat later.

Lots of protein (21g per serving) and enough carbs to give me some get-up and go, but not be “over the top.” I rely on (thawed) frozen hash brown potatoes to give me that delicious energy I need for my runs and workouts. Eggs and cheese (boosted by some blended cottage cheese) add extra protein power along with the ground chicken breast. Plus, SO MUCH flavor from roasted Hatch green chilies – I just love them!

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO TUTORIAL ON PINTEREST HERE!

Hatch Green Chile Chicken Egg Bake: This hearty but well-balanced breakfast bake is also perfect for brunch, lunch and a light dinner! Gluten free, lower carb -- 21g protein for long-lasting energy. Great for a crowd, or meal prep and freeze in single-serve portions to reheat later.
Pin this for later!!

No surprise, I love these mild to medium (some varieties hot) peppers from the hallowed grounds of New Mexico. I’ve written a lot of blog posts on Hatch Green Chile recipes and tips (here’s a useful post) – and I’ve also been the champion of a Hatch Green Chile Cookoff here in Austin, Texas. A recent Hatch Green Chile recipe is 15 minute Baked Shrimp in Hatch Green Chile Sauce.

These green chiles are definitely a fan favorite for their earthy bite that doesn’t burn too much (really some are quite mild, which I think works well to compliment the flavors of both chicken and eggs). When hatch peppers aren’t in season (August – September), I rely on the Hatch Green Chile Store to quell my cravings!

Beef Egg Potato Bake Breakfast Casserole - TheFitFork.com
  • This chicken green chile casserole recipe was inspired by one of my most popular and best breakfast casserole recipes – Barn-raiser Beef & Egg Bake, a real winner that has been featured in Taste of Home and also on the Hallmark Home & Family Show.

Of course, I changed this Hatch Green Chicken Egg Bake up a bit to be a super star in its own right, but recipe concept is very similar – create a base of thawed frozen hash browns in casserole dish, pour over a mixture of cooked ground meat, veggies, etc., and then pour over an egg-milk-cheese mixture that soaks down through all the layers to create a tender but firm casserole that cuts nicely into squares that hold their shape.

Hatch Green Chile Chicken Egg Bake: This hearty but well-balanced breakfast bake is also perfect for brunch, lunch and a light dinner! Gluten free, lower carb -- 21g protein for long-lasting energy. Great for a crowd, or meal prep and freeze in single-serve portions to reheat later.
Layer up in a 9″x 13″ casserole dish and bake 60 minutes.

Big enough to serve a crowd at brunch, but this breakfast egg bake with green chiles can also be cooled and frozen in single-serving portions. Then, either defrost overnight in the fridge (or on “defrost” in the microwave) before re-heating for about 60 seconds on high in microwave.

Hatch Green Chile Chicken Egg Bake: This hearty but well-balanced breakfast bake is also perfect for brunch, lunch and a light dinner! Gluten free, lower carb -- 21g protein for long-lasting energy. Great for a crowd, or meal prep and freeze in single-serve portions to reheat later.

Per serving: 304 calories, 16g carbs, 16g fat, 21g protein!!! It will keep you filled up for a while without busting your calorie budget.

5 from 3 votes
Chicken Egg Bake: This hearty but well-balanced breakfast bake is also perfect for brunch, lunch and a light dinner! Gluten free, lower carb -- 21g protein for long-lasting energy. Great for a crowd, or meal prep and freeze in single-serve portions to reheat later.
Hatch Green Chile Chicken Egg Bake
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
cool
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
 

This hearty but well-balanced breakfast bake is also perfect for brunch, lunch and a light dinner! Gluten free, lower carb — 21g protein for long-lasting energy. Great for a crowd, or meal prep and freeze in single-serve portions to reheat later.

Course: Breakfast, brunch
Cuisine: Southwestern
Keyword: chicken, egg, make ahead, meal prep
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 304 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped white onion
  • 1 lb. ground chicken breast
  • 1 oz. packet chicken taco season mix like McCormick’s
  • ¼ cup water
  • 4 cups fresh spinach coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup chopped roasted green chiles Hatch Green Chili Store
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro divided
  • 14 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese or blended cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
  • 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes thawed
  • ½ tsp. salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil and onions, sauté for 1 minute. Add ground chicken breast and brown, crumbling into small pieces, for 6-8 minutes or until cooked through well. The chicken is low-fat, so there will be nothing to drain.
  3. Stir in water and taco seasoning, stir over heat to combine.
  4. Add, chopped green chiles, chopped spinach and 3 tbsp. of chopped cilantro to skillet, stir over heat until spinach wilted.
  5. Whisk together eggs, milk and ricotta cheese (or blended cottage cheese).
  6. Stir 2/3 of shredded Monterey Jack cheese into egg mixture (reserve remainder)
  7. Place shredded hash browns in bottom of 9” x 13” casserole dish that has been coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt.
  8. Spoon chicken taco mixture evenly over hash browns.
  9. Pour egg mixture over taco mixture.
  10. Top with remaining cheese.
  11. Bake for 50 minutes or until center set.
  12. Let cook 5 minutes before slicing into 12 squares.
  13. For meal prep, portions may be frozen in airtight container and then defrosted and reheated, as needed.
Recipe Notes

This post contains affiliate links.

Orange Coconut Chia Cheesecakes with Collagen – No Added Sugar, Gluten/Grain Free

You’ll love this tasty little treat, Orange Coconut Chia Cheesecakes with Collagen. A smart choice as a healthy dessert option, easy breakfast to meal prep or bedtime snack.

Jump to Recipe

In fact, I love to eat one of these healthy cheesecakes an hour or so before bed – the protein from the cottage cheese and collagen keeps me from getting hungry at night and support workout recovery and gains. In fact, studies show that most muscle “gains” happen during your deep, deep sleep. Both collagen and diary-products (like cottage cheese) are shown to support better sleep.

In addition to being a great snack or light meal for an active lifestyle, you’ll also love how easy these protein cheesecakes are to make – there is no official baking required, just a quick zap in the microwave to set the crust before topping with the cottage cheese filling. And, the orange protein cheesecake recipe makes four individual servings of collagen cheesecake which is great for portion control and meal prepping.

Each of these Orange Coconut Chia Cheesecakes with Collagen has approximately 234 calories, 8g net carb and 19g protein – no added sugar and gluten free, grain free.

If you’d like to consider collagen from Great Lakes Wellness (a brand I trust and have worked with for several years), you can save 10% with my discount code THEFITFORK10OFF

Great Lakes Wellness discount code THEFITFORK10OFF

Also, check out my past e-cookbook featuring lots of other variations on this same cottage cheese protein cheesecake recipe – No-Bake Protein Cheesecake Cookbook

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Great Lakes Gelatin 10% Discount Code: THEFITFORK10OFF
5 from 6 votes
Orange Coconut Chia Cheesecakes with Collagen
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
chill
30 mins
Total Time
37 mins
 

These low-carb protein cheesecakes made with cottage cheese and collagen powder are healthy option for dessert, breakfast, bedtime snack. Also, conveniently single-portioned and easy to meal prep. No added sugar and grain/gluten free.

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: cheesecake, coconut, cottage cheese, low carb, meal prep, orange
Servings: 4
Calories: 234 kcal
Ingredients
Crust:
  • ¼ cup almond meal
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon stevia baking blend
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Filling:
  • 1 ½ cup cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup vanilla collagen powder
  • ¼ cup orange juice
Topping:
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 1 tbsp. chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp. shredded coconut
  • Optional: sugar-free chocolate chips orange segments
Instructions
  1. Mix together almond meal, ¼ cup shredded coconut, cocoa powder, stevia, and coconut in bowl until a “dough” made.
  2. Divide into 4 even portions and place each in bottom of four 12-oz. ramekin or mason jar.
  3. Press down with spoon to cover bottom of jar. Place all containers in microwave and microwave on high for 90 seconds. Remove, and set aside to cool.
  4. In blender, add cottage cheese, collagen powder and orange juice. Pour evenly over cooled crusts.
  5. In container with lid, add ¼ cup orange juice, chia seeds and 1 tbsp. shredded coconut. Add lid and shake until combined, chill for 10 to 15 minutes until gel setting.
  6. Remove chia gel and spoon evenly over cheesecakes. Add chocolate chips and/or orange segments if desired.
Recipe Notes