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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
More smoothie recipes
- Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Healthy Strawberry Smoothie
- 4-Ingredient Orange Julius Recipe
- Peach Smoothie with Pineapple and Mint
- Blackberry Smoothie with No Banana
More breakfast recipes
- Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bowls
- Ricotta Toast
- Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt
- Blackberry Muffins
- Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake
Did you try this dragon fruit bowl recipe?
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Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl Recipe
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:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Goji berries
- Bee Pollen
- Cacao Nibs
- Coconut
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Almonds
- Chia seeds
Instructions
- Place smoothie bowl ingredients in blender and process until smooth.
- Add toppings to your heart’s desire – Time to get creative!
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
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!
Beautiful!! I have become quite addicted to incorporating cacao nibs into pretty much everything.
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!
This is such a beautiful smoothie bowl!! Almost too pretty to eat… but I would totally devour this 🙂 What a great way to start the day!
Thanks Marlynn. It’s a super yummy way to start the day – Especially in the middle of a gloomy winter!
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
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. 😉
That is the most beautiful breakfast I have ever seen. I had no idea they sold dragonfruit in the freezer section. I’ll be looking for it next time!
Thanks Catherine! In the Portland area, I’ve had the best luck finding it at Safeway.
What a delicious smoothie bowl, Erin. Love the beautiful colors!
Thanks so much Allie – They’re really fun to get creative with!
The photos are gorgeous and the smoothie looks delicious! 🙂 love the food photography
1) I’ll just reiterate what everyone else has said, that smoothie bowl is gorgeous! 2) I love the gif at the beginning 3)Just yes.
Such a beautiful post, love the GIF you used… so clever and fun:)
If you’d ever like to try our Pitaya smoothie packs, please let us know.
I would love to try your smoothie packs – I’ve heard great things!
Dear Erin, what a gorgeous smoothie! I would love to start everyday with this….instantly lifts the spirits and leaves you feeling good! xo, Catherine
Thanks Catherine! It’s always easier to rise and shine when you have a pretty smoothie bowl to look at 😉
This looks absolutely amazing! Question; did you use the skin of the dragon fruit to achieve the pink color?
Hi Cory – I used the dragonfruit with the pink flesh (some are white), but I didn’t use the skin.
How long will it keep in the refrigerator? I would like to make a few days worth at a time.
Hi Michelle – I find that it’s best made right before you plan to eat it unfortunately.
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.