Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl Recipe (Pitaya Bowls)

Breakfast never looked so good! This vibrant Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl is a thick and creamy dairy-free smoothie made with pitaya, tropical fruit, and almond milk. It’s the perfect, healthy way to start the day.

I have always loved a healthy breakfast smoothie to start the day. Some of my favorites are this Blackberry Smoothing (no banana), this amazing Peach, Pineapple, and Mint Smoothie, or this delicious Green Goddess Smoothie when I’m feeling exceptionally healthy.

Despite my love for smoothies, I was a bit slow to hop on the smoothie bowl bandwagon.

Why would I want to make a smoothie, pour it in a bowl, and eat it with a spoon? Isn’t it just so much more easy to pour it into a to-go cup and hit the road? Well yeeesss… It is more easy. And, while I’ll say that most weekdays I still grab my smoothie and go, I AM a smoothie bowl convert.

This dragonfruit smoothie bowl is ultra-thick and creamy, plus it’s made with almond milk for a dairy free, vegan, and vegetarian breakfast. The dragon fruit, also sometimes called pitaya, has a mild flavor similar to a kiwi or melon, but it gives the smoothie it’s beautiful pink hue. Then the mango, banana, and pineapple add all the wonderful tropical flavor.

Why smoothie bowls?

If you’re still not convinced, here are some other great reasons to make smoothie bowls.

  1. Look how pretty it is! A smoothie bowl lets you get creative (and healthy) with the toppings. I topped mine with some mighty fine superfoods: Bee pollen (like gold glitter for your bowl), cacao nibs, coconut flakes, kumquats and raspberries.
  2. It’s surprisingly more filling than a smoothie. I’ve heard that it helps to “chew” your smoothie or juice. The chewing action activates an enzyme that aids in digestion. I made my first smoothie bowl on a busy night, and called it dinner. I was expecting to be starving by the time morning rolled around, but to my surprise, I was still full AND I had plenty of energy.
  3. It lets you put your smoothie’s party dress on for the weekend. Normally, I don’t do smoothies on the weekends. But now I can make them more exciting and still get my nutrients, which are definitely needed after our “wine tasting” weekends. Which let’s admit, is every weekend. If you open more than one bottle, you’re “tasting” right?

Ingredients needed

This recipe only needs 5 ingredients, plus toppings. Start with frozen pitaya (dragon fruit), banana, mango, and pineapple (it works best if they are all frozen in chunks). Then add almond milk.

Once the smoothie bowl is made, just add toppings! I suggest using a mixture of fresh fruit, nuts or seeds, and one or two super-foods for extra nutrition. See my full list of topping ideas below.

How to make it

  • Place all the smoothie ingredients in a high-speed blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Pour into a bowl, add toppings, and enjoy!

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.

Topping ideas

  • Fresh Fruit – Raspberries, kiwi, banana, strawberries, blueberries
  • Coconut Flakes
  • Cacalo Nibs
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Raw Nuts
  • Granola
  • Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds or Hemp Seeds
  • Bee Pollen
  • Goji Berries

Recipe tips

  • 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 best results.
  • Use a high-powered blender for the most smooth, creamy texture.
  • 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.
Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl topped with blueberries, coconut, almonds, kiwi and pumpkin seeds.

More smoothie recipes

 More breakfast recipes

Did you try this dragon fruit bowl recipe?

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Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl topped with blueberries, coconut, almonds, kiwi and pumpkin seeds.

Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl Recipe

This vibrant Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl is a thick and creamy smoothie made with pitaya, tropical fruit, and almond milk. It’s the perfect, healthy way to start the day.
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

Smoothie Bowl:

  • 6 ounces frozen pitaya (dragon fruit)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 banana (preferably frozen)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (preferably frozen)
  • 1 cup mango chunks (preferably frozen)

Optional Toppings:

Instructions

  • Place smoothie bowl ingredients in blender and process until smooth.
  • Add toppings to your heart’s desire – Time to get creative!

Notes

Tips:
  • 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 best results. 
  • Use a high-powered blender for the most smooth, creamy texture. 
  • You can also enjoy this as a smoothie! Just add 1/4 cup more almond milk and omit the toppings.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 595mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 62g | Vitamin A: 1035IU | Vitamin C: 59.2mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 2.1mg

This pitaya smoothie post was originally published in 2016. It was updated in 2021 to add new photographs and again in 2023 to add new information. The original dragonfruit acai bowl recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

28 thoughts on “Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl Recipe (Pitaya Bowls)”

    • They’re a recent discovery for me Meredith! I think the first time I had them was at Blue Star Donuts, on their Passionfruit & Cacao Nib doughnut. Obviously, this is a bit of a healthier way to indulge!

      Reply
  1. This is gorgeous – the appeal of a smoothie in a glass is thirst quenching, while a smoothie in a bowl is all about the texture with toppings, but it also means more calories

    Reply
    • Thanks Pech! I find that the additional calories really help to keep me full until lunch time rolls around! With the smoothies, sometimes I’m ready to gnaw my fist off by noon. 😉

      Reply
  2. The dragon fruit smoothie recipe turned out to be highly refreshing drink to start my day with. Given I found this so easy to emulate, I try making this smoothie now and then.

    Reply

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