Dragon Fruit Smoothie (Pitaya)

Loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this Dragon Fruit Smoothie is bursting with color and flavor. Blended to perfection with coconut milk, nut butter, plant-based yogurt and protein powder, this Pitaya Smoothie is the perfect way to start your day.

If you love a taste of the tropics, you will love this Soursop Smoothie. It’s also ideal for breakfast, a mid-day snack or post workout treat.

Smoothies are the perfect way to add protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals in one simple drink. And not only are they nutrient dense but they are completely versatile so you can easily swap the ingredients for what you have on hand. You can also drink a smoothie any time the mood hits for that added nutritional boost.

This smoothie uses frozen fruit so you get thick and rich texture. If you want to use fresh fruit you’ll need to add some ice to thicken it up.

What is dragon fruit?

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a fruit of different cacti species that grow in Southern Mexico and on the Pacific coast side of several countries in South America like Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala. However, dragon fruit can be found in Asia, the US, the Caribbean, Australia and my home country, Brazil, as well as in tropical and subtropical countries around the globe.

The term ‘dragon’ fruit in English was created to describe the leather-like texture and scaly skin or peel, which you should not eat. However, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find frozen dragon fruit pulp which makes preparing this smoothie super easy.

Dragon fruit comes in several varieties with different flavor profiles and can be red, white or yellow. For this smoothie, I used the red variety as you can see from the rich and vibrant color.

Ingredients To Make A Dragon Fruit Smoothie

• Dragon fruit– Frozen dragon fruit may be the most flavorful as it is picked at the height of ripeness but fresh will also work.
• Raspberries –  Frozen raspberries add more of the deep magenta color and some sweetness. Fresh will also work but you will need to add ice to make the smoothie thick and cold.
• Yogurt – This smoothie has Siggi’s plant based berry yogurt. It has 10g of protein making this smoothie super filling.
• Protein powder – I used one scoop of Truvani vanilla flavored powder but you can use your preferred protein powder. If it is unflavored taste the smoothie to see if you need to sweeten it up. You could add maple syrup, honey or your favorite sweetener but sweetening it with ripe fruit is always the best option.
• Nut butter – Use your favorite; peanut, almond, or cashew. Substitute with seed butter if there is a nut allergy.
• Coconut milk – Coconut milk adds to the tropical flavor but you can substitute with your favorite milk. Refrigerated coconut milk is fine but if you want a really thick and rich smoothie canned will do the trick.
• Mint leaves – Mint leaves add a nice burst of green as garnish.

How To Make Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Add all the ingredients to a blender cup and pulse until creamy and smooth. Feel free to add more coconut milk if you prefer a thinner smoothie or add ice if you used fresh fruit.

Tips and Variations

• Pair with a different berry. If you don’t have raspberries you can use blueberries, strawberries or blackberries.
• Switch up the nut butter. Try different nut or seed butters, tahini is also a good option.
• Instead of protein powder. Substitute the protein powder with hemp or chia seeds.
• Drink as soon as possible. Smoothie are best consumed just after you prepare them. If it sits for a while it will start to change color. It is still safe to drink and will likely taste the same.
• To sweeten it up. For a sweeter smoothie, throw in a fresh or frozen ripe banana, ripe pineapple, or ripe pear.

FAQs

More Smoothie Recipes

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• Green Machine Smoothie
• Spinach Chia Green Smoothie
• Sweetheart Strawberry Smoothie