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We’ve been seeing acai bowls everywhere for years but there is a newcomer fruit on the scene! This fruit is gaining a lot of attention because of its vibrant beauty and natural sweetness. The Pitaya {Dragonfruit}, with its gorgeous pink hue, makes a beautiful smoothie and is packed with healthy goodness.
I’m a Whole Food lover – it’s Disneyland for us foodies! I recently won a $1,000 Whole Foods gift card for being the Grand Prize Winner of the Bai Smoothie Contest and you wouldn’t believe how many smoothies and bowls we have consumed as a result. They run about $10 each which is no bueno for the budget so we had to figure out how to make them at home. The incredible thing about pitaya is that no matter what fruit combination I have used, they all tasted tropical, fresh, and sweet.
What’s so good about dragonfruit?
Pitaya is sweet, so there’s no adding sugar to the smoothie packs. It’s full of antioxidants – which neutralize free radicals that are detrimental to our bodies – plus they are packed with fiber, an important aid in digestion.
What’s the difference between a smoothie and a smoothie bowl?
Basically, the only difference is that a bowl uses less liquid so it’s firmer and can be eaten with a spoon. The best part is that you can top it off with all sorts of toppings from fresh fruit to coconut flakes to nuts to chia seeds. The sky is the limit! There’s something about actually chewing your food that keeps you satisfied longer. It feels like a treat because it tastes so good without any added sugars.
Where do you buy Pitaya (dragonfruit) smoothie packs?
They are in the frozen section of grocery stores. Check out Sprouts, Whole Foods, and even Smart & Final. They are gaining in popularity so check out your local grocery store to see if they have begun stocking these beauties.
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
- Cacao 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.
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Pitaya Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Coconut Water
- 1 Pitaya Smoothie Pack
- 1/2 cup Pineapple frozen is ideal
- 1/2 cup Mango Chunks frozen is ideal
- 1/2 Banana if you want it sweeter you can add 1 whole banana
Toppings:
- Fresh Pineapple
- Fresh Mango
- Fresh Banana
- Fresh Kiwi
- Coconut Flakes
- Chia Seeds
- Granola
- *If you don't have coconut water you can substitute unsweetened coconut or almond milk or even apple juice. The apple juice will make it much sweeter.
- *You can also substitute 1 cup pineapple instead of 1/2 cup pineapple and 1/2 cup mango.
Instructions
- Blend coconut water, pitaya smoothie pack, pineapple, mango, and banana in blender until creamy. Pour into bowl and and top with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you are looking for more healthy superfood smoothie recipes, click HERE. I am sharing SIX all-natural, dairy-free smoothies plus a lemon turmeric flush drink that gets rid of inflammation quickly!
Add this to your breakfast routine and you will become a huge fan of pitaya smoothie bowls before you know it. Plus you will reap the natural energy benefits of starting your day with fresh whole foods.
Can you taste the banana? I’m not a fan of banana flavor. I’ll eat them if they’ve just barely turned yellow, (yes, I know they aren’t as sweet but the banana flavor is subtle), but I prefer to use something else.
Sounds delish! Would I be able to refrigerate these if I make more than one?
One of the most unique things that I`ve ever taste 🙂 Thank you 🙂