Description
Make a stunning Pitaya Smoothie Bowl in 5 minutes! This thick, creamy dragon fruit bowl is topped with fresh berries, granola, and coconut. Naturally vegan and gluten-free!
Ingredients
Smoothie Base
- 1 (3.5 oz) packet frozen pitaya (dragon fruit)
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- ½ cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, but recommended for thickness and omega-3s)
Toppings (suggested — mix and match!)
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Sliced banana
- Granola
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Chia seeds or hemp seeds
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Drizzle of honey or agave (optional)
Instructions
Place the frozen pitaya packet (break it up if it’s one solid chunk), frozen banana, frozen strawberries, almond milk, and chia seeds into your high-speed blender. Pro tip: Add the liquid first, then the frozen fruit on top.
Blend on high speed until completely smooth and thick. This might take 30-60 seconds depending on your blender. You’ll likely need to stop and use a tamper or spoon to push the frozen fruit down toward the blades a few times.
The mixture should be THICK — like soft-serve ice cream, not pourable. If it’s too thick to blend, add just a tiny splash (1-2 tablespoons) of almond milk and try again.
Your smoothie base should hold its shape when you scoop it with a spoon. If you can pour it, it’s too thin and you’ve added too much liquid. If this happens, add a few ice cubes or a handful of frozen berries and blend again to thicken it up.
Scoop the thick smoothie mixture into a wide, shallow bowl. Use a spatula to smooth the top surface — this creates the perfect canvas for your toppings!
Now for the FUN part! Arrange your toppings in rows, sections, or however your creative heart desires. I love doing stripes of granola, fresh berries, banana slices, and a sprinkle of coconut flakes. Make it as simple or as elaborate as you want!
Finish with a drizzle of honey or agave if you want extra sweetness, maybe a few mint leaves for freshness, and grab a spoon.
Notes
- Freeze your bowl: For an extra-cold experience that stays thick longer, pop your serving bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling.
- Layer your toppings strategically: Put heavier items like granola on first, then lighter items like berries and seeds. This keeps everything in place and looks more professional.
- Don’t over-blend: Once everything is smooth, STOP. Over-blending generates heat and can thin out your mixture.
- Common mistake to avoid: Adding fresh (not frozen) fruit to the base. This makes everything watery. Save fresh fruit for toppings only!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American