Place the cottage cheese into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high for 60 to 90 seconds. You want to eliminate every single lump until the mixture looks like a thick, glossy cream. Scraping down the sides halfway through ensures a perfectly uniform texture.

Add the protein powder, cocoa powder (if using), sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender. Pulse several times until the powders are fully incorporated. If the mixture is too thick to move, add the almond milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired pudding consistency.

Transfer the pudding into a small bowl or a meal prep container. While you can eat it immediately, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. Top with a few berries or a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips before serving.