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Dragon fruit (pitaya) smoothie bowls are a creamy frozen blend of tropical fruits topped with granolas, seeds, and other toppings that will give you healthy energy throughout the day.
I’m sure by now you’ve seen those gorgeous bright pink smoothie bowls all over social media. These popular pitaya bowls are not just beautiful to look at, but they are absolutely delicious! Filled with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and fiber, they provide natural energy and micronutrients that help the body function at its very best.
What’s the difference between a smoothie and a smoothie bowl?
Basically, the only difference is that a bowl uses less liquid so it’s firmer and can be eaten with a spoon. The best part is that you can top it off with all sorts of toppings from fresh fruit to coconut flakes to nuts to chia seeds. The sky is the limit! There’s something about actually chewing your food that keeps you satisfied longer. It feels like a treat because it tastes so good without any added sugars.
If you love pitaya bowls, make sure to check out my other easy smoothie bowl recipes!
What goes in a pitaya bowl?
The beauty of these tropical pitaya bowls is the flexibility. I am sharing my favorite recipe, what I have found that works the best. But if you prefer any variation, it is a simple substitution!
- Pitaya: Also known as dragon fruit, this bright pink fruit is what gives the bowl its color and sweet flavor. The fruit is so sweet on its own that the packets do not have any added sugars. It’s full of antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals that are detrimental to our bodies. Plus they are packed with fiber, an important aid in digestion.
- Pineapple chunks: These work best when frozen. Pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor that compliments the pitaya well. Its tropical flavor is characteristic of this smoothie bowl.
- Mango chunks: These, too, are best frozen. Sweet mango has the perfect flavor to add to the other tropical fruits in this smoothie bowl.
- Banana: Frozen banana is integral in getting a creamy smoothie bowl. It adds even more sweetness to the bowl while perfecting the texture.
- Coconut water: Although smoothie bowls are thick, they still need a little bit of liquid in order to have the creamy, smooth, and almost ice cream like texture that we are going for. Coconut water is fresh and has the perfect flavor!
Where do you buy pitaya?
They are in the frozen section of grocery stores. Check out Sprouts, Whole Foods, and even Smart & Final. They are gaining in popularity so check out your local grocery store to see if they have begun stocking these beauties.
I have also seen bags of frozen dragon fruit chunks start to be sold in my local grocery stores such as Target and Costco!
Smoothie bowl toppings:
Since a smoothie bowl is thick enough to eat with a spoon, it’s delicious to eat with a variety of toppings that add texture and heartiness to the bowl. Here are some of my favorites!
- Fresh Fruit: Raspberries, kiwi, banana, strawberries, blueberries
- Homemade granola
- Raw nuts: Think sliced almonds, cashews, walnuts, or anything similar
- Coconut flakes: Either sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes really rounds out the tropical flavors of the smoothie bowl!
- Cacao nibs: Bitter cacao nibs bring a delicious crunch to the bowl.
- Goji berries
- Pumpkin seeds
- Bee pollen
- Chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flax seeds
- Honey
- Nut butters such as peanut butter or almond butter can help add some more healthy fats and proteins to your smoothie bowl, as well as adding some saltiness and heartiness!
Pitaya bowl variations
The beauty of smoothie bowls is that you get to make them how you like! Add your favorite fruits, take out the ones you don’t like as much. Make sure to do what you like most and don’t be afraid to experiment!
- You can substitute the frozen mango or pineapple for another fruit, if you want a less tropical flavor profile. I suggest keeping the dragon fruit or pitaya for the color and nutrients it adds. I also suggest keeping the banana because it helps create a smooth, creamy bowl.
- Add in a scoop of protein powder or nut butter for an extra nutrition boost.
- To make it extra creamy, swap out the almond milk for coconut milk or cashew milk.
Tips for making the Best Pitaya Smoothie Bowl:
- The key to a very thick smoothie bowl is to not add too much liquid. Don’t be tempted to add more.
- Use frozen fruit for a thicker and colder smoothie.
- For best results, use a high powered blender with a sharp blade. My favorite blender to use is Vitamix.
- You can also enjoy this as a smoothie! Just add 1/4 cup more almond milk and omit the toppings.
Are dragon fruit bowls healthy?
Dragon fruit is full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that are really good for you! It is high in vitamin C and also can help with iron levels. However, if I want to add more macro nutrients to this snack to turn it into more of a meal, I try to add some more proteins and fats. You can add protein powders, nut butters, or Greek yogurt to help make this healthy smoothie into something a little more substantial!
Recipe variations
- You can substitute the frozen mango or pineapple for another fruit, if you want a less tropical flavor profile. I suggest keeping the dragon fruit or pitaya for the color and nutrients it adds. I also suggest keeping the banana because it helps create a smooth, creamy bowl.
- Add in a scoop of protein powder or nut butter for an extra nutrition boost.
- To make it extra creamy, swap out the almond milk for coconut milk or cashew milk.
More Smoothie Recipes:
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Pitaya Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Coconut Water
- 1 Pitaya Smoothie Pack
- 1/2 cup Pineapple frozen is ideal
- 1/2 cup Mango Chunks frozen is ideal
- 1/2 Banana if you want it sweeter you can add 1 whole banana
Toppings:
- Fresh Pineapple
- Fresh Mango
- Fresh Banana
- Fresh Kiwi
- Coconut Flakes
- Chia Seeds
- Granola
- *If you don’t have coconut water you can substitute unsweetened coconut or almond milk or even apple juice. The apple juice will make it much sweeter.
- *You can also substitute 1 cup pineapple instead of 1/2 cup pineapple and 1/2 cup mango.
Instructions
- Blend coconut water, pitaya smoothie pack, pineapple, mango, and banana in blender until creamy. Pour into bowl and and top with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you are looking for more healthy superfood smoothie recipes, click HERE. I am sharing SIX all-natural, dairy-free smoothies plus a lemon turmeric flush drink that gets rid of inflammation quickly!
Add this to your breakfast routine and you will become a huge fan of pitaya smoothie bowls before you know it. Plus you will reap the natural energy benefits of starting your day with fresh whole foods.
Can you taste the banana? I’m not a fan of banana flavor. I’ll eat them if they’ve just barely turned yellow, (yes, I know they aren’t as sweet but the banana flavor is subtle), but I prefer to use something else.
Sounds delish! Would I be able to refrigerate these if I make more than one?
One of the most unique things that I`ve ever taste 🙂 Thank you 🙂