If it’s hot out, like really hot out, you can bet on the fact that I’m having a dragonfruit smoothie bowl (pitaya bowl) for breakfast or lunch. It’s quick, delish and most importantly cold. I can grab a few things from the freezer, which is quite convenient, chuck it in my blender and two minutes later I’m eating. Instant gratification. I zhuzhed things up a bit with some fresh mint, coconut shreds and coconut milk. The more coconut the better! In all honesty I typically just make this as a smoothie and drink it at my desk, but sometimes I gotta make things look a little more interesting…ya know, for the blog.
For this version I used some frozen dragonfruit puree, I found it at Whole Foods, and I highly recommend it. Take a peek around your food store’s frozen fruit section, they’ll probably have it. I was on an açai kick for a good while, and that would work as a substitute here, but I really recommend the dragonfruit, also called pitaya, it’s sweet, slightly sour and goes really well with the coconut.Â
I also added a generous sprinkle of some pineapple mint, mainly cause it’s one of my favorite herbs to use in the summer. I always get a small plant in spring, and by this time of year it’s quadrupled in size. I put it on desserts, in my smoothies, in drinks, salads, I could go on. Not only does it taste so so good, but it’s one of those things that instantly makes me think summer, and I love it! And, if you’ve never had it, it taste just like it sounds, like mint and pineapple. So, if you only have regular mint, spearmint or peppermint, you could add a bit of pineapple to this and get a similar flavor, but totally not necessary, it’ll be good either way.Â
In all honesty I typically just make this as a smoothie and drink it at my desk, but sometimes I gotta make things look a little more interesting…ya know, for the blog.
Pitaya Bowl Recipe: Easy Dragonfruit Smoothie Bowl with Coconut & Mint
When the weather heats up, there’s nothing better than a refreshing, cold smoothie bowl to start your day. This pitaya bowl—made with vibrant dragonfruit, creamy coconut milk, and fresh mint—is delicious. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free!
This dragonfruit smoothie bowl is sure to become a new summer favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Pitaya Bowl
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes! Just blend, chop and top.
- Refreshing & Healthy: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings depending on what’s in season, or change the dragonfruit base for another fruit blend you like.
- Perfect for Summer: A cool, satisfying treat for those hot summer days.
What is Dragonfruit (Pitaya)?
Dragonfruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant pink skin and speckled flesh. It’s slightly sweet with a hint of sourness. I think it tastes like a very mild kiwi. It makes a great base for smoothie bowls and pairs well with just about any other fruit.
For this recipe, I used a frozen dragonfruit puree, which I found at Whole Foods. If you can’t find dragonfruit, you can substitute it with açai or another frozen fruit blend you like.
Ingredients for This Dragonfruit Smoothie Bowl
This recipe is so simple—it’s basically an extra thick smoothie dressed up in a bowl! Here’s what you’ll need:
The Smoothie Base
- 4 oz frozen dragonfruit puree (or 1 fresh dragonfruit)
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/4 cup coconut milk – I recommend full fat for this, makes it extra creamy
The Toppings
- 2 tbsp coconut milk (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut shreds
- Fresh mint leaves (pineapple mint is a great option if you have it!)
How to Make the Perfect Pitaya Bowl
- Make the Smoothie Base
Add the frozen dragonfruit, banana, and coconut milk to your blender. Blend until smooth and thick. If needed, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. - Top it up!
Pour the smoothie into a bowl. Drizzle with coconut milk, then sprinkle with toasted coconut shreds and fresh mint. - Enjoy
Grab a spoon and dig in!
Substitutions and Suggestions
- Substitutions: If you don’t have dragonfruit, try using açai or another frozen fruit blend. I’ve done this with frozen cherries, and another version with a strawberry banana base. Both are excellent!
- Topping Ideas: Add granola, chia seeds, fresh fruit, chocolate chips or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it Ahead: In a rush? Prep the ingredients the night before for an even quicker breakfast. Get your toppings prepared and chopped. Get all your smoothie base ingredients together and ready to go, then just blend and top in the AM.
Tips for the Best Smoothie Bowl
- Use Frozen Fruit: Frozen fruit gives your smoothie bowl a thick, creamy texture similar to ice cream or sorbet.
- Get Creative with Toppings: The toppings are what make a smoothie bowl fun! Try adding fresh berries, nuts, chocolate, granola or even edible flowers.
- Experiment with Flavors: Swap out the coconut milk for almond milk or add a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist.
Some other tropical fruit recipes to try:
Dragonfruit Sorbet – A recipe for simple dragonfruit (pitaya) sorbet. so refreshing!
Jackfruit Smoothie Bowl – A super refreshing jackfruit and spinach smoothie bowl topped with banana, mango, coconut, pitaya (dragonfruit) and fresh mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dragonfruit taste like?
Dragonfruit has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of sourness. It pairs perfectly with coconut and mint in this recipe.
Can I use fresh dragonfruit instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh dragonfruit, make sure to add in frozen banana to get a thick, smoothie-like consistency.
What are the best toppings for a smoothie bowl?
Some popular options include granola, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of nut butter.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this pitaya bowl is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Did you try this recipe?
This pitaya bowl is a delicious, nutritious way to start your day or cool off on a hot afternoon. With its vibrant color and refreshing flavors, it’s sure to brighten up your morning routine.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your version and tag @TheMostHungry so I can see your beautiful bowls!
Pitaya Bowl
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
The Smoothie
- 4 oz frozen dragon fruit puree or 1 fresh dragonfruit
- 1 banana frozen
- 1/4 C coconut milk
The Toppings
- 2 tbsp coconut milk
- 1/4 C toasted coconut shreds
- fresh mint
Instructions
- Add your dragonfruit, banana and coconut milk to your blender and blend until smooth. It should be pretty thick since you’ll be getting the fat in the coconut milk nice and cold, but if you need to, add a little water to get a consistency you like.
- Next add it to your bowl and top with a drizzle, or more, of that coconut milk, top with a generous amount of pineapple mint and lots of coconut shreds. Eat up!
Notes
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
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