This pitaya smoothie bowl is my favorite thing to make on warm summer days! It’s ultra-refreshing, nutrient-dense, and perfect for a healthy snack or light breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Pitaya Smoothie Bowl
This pitaya smoothie bowl is what sparked my obsession with making breakfast smoothie bowls, like an acai bowl or mango smoothie bowl. I first had pitaya (also known as dragon fruit) while exploring the nooks, crannies, volcanoes, and rice fields of Bali. I still have to pinch myself that I spent two whole months on that little island, motorbiking around most of it. But having those two wheels gave me ample time to sample pitaya smoothie bowls from all over—for research purposes, of course! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- It’s quick and easy. Just blend the smoothie base and add your favorite toppings (which can be prepped ahead of time).
- It’s healthy all around. Pitaya is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and more. These bowls are also packed with nutrients from the added fruit, nuts, and seeds!
Pitaya Bowl Ingredients
- Frozen pitaya: Frozen pitaya cubes or packets are commonly available in the frozen fruit section of most grocery stores. You can also purchase from brands like Pitaya Foods and Sambazon—I’ll link them in the recipe card!
- Other frozen fruits: You’ll need a frozen banana and mixed berries to complete the smoothie base.
- Liquid: I’m using coconut water for a lighter, hydrating base. For a creamier consistency, use any dairy-free milk.
- Toppings: Gather your favorite fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and more!
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to Make a Pitaya Smoothie Bowl
To make the smoothie base, blend the frozen pitaya, banana, berries, and coconut water in a high-powered blender. Make sure to use the tamper to push the ingredients into the blades. If you don’t have a blender, use a food processor.
Then, here comes my favorite part, the toppings! I like to add sliced bananas, kiwis, coconut flakes, and sliced almonds. But I’ll provide more options below.
Pitaya Bowl Topping Ideas
- Fruit: I like switching between a berry mix (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry) or a tropical mix (mangoes, kiwis, bananas, and pineapple).
- Seeds: Layer on the seeds for nutritional benefits! A few favorites are pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds.
- Nuts: Chop up your favorite nuts for added crunch! You can even drizzle nut or seed butter on top.
- Chia pudding: I love adding a layer of chia pudding on top.
Common Questions
Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, is a tropical fruit that grows on a cactus and is commonly found in Central America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia, China, and Hawaii. It comes in sweet and sour varieties, with flesh that can be white or vibrant pink and dotted with tiny seeds similar to those in a kiwi. Despite its bold appearance, pitaya has a surprisingly mild flavor, often compared to melon. It’s rich in antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins C and B, making it a nutrient-dense addition to your diet.
To achieve a thicker consistency, use fully frozen fruits and limit the amount of liquid added. Also, don’t overblend as that will thin the smoothie base down.
Yes, you can prepare the smoothie base ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw slightly at room temperature, stir, and add your favorite toppings. Just know that it’ll be a bit more liquidy when it’s thawed, rather than thick and creamy.
More Smoothie Bowl Recipes
If you make this pitaya smoothie bowl recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.
Description
Refreshing and nutrient-dense, this pitaya smoothie bowl is the perfect healthy light breakfast or mid-day snack!
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Blend together. Add the frozen pitaya, banana, berries, and coconut water to a high-powered blender. Blend on high for one minute, using the tamper to push the ingredients into the blades, until well combined. Alternatively, you could use a food processor as well.
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Add toppings. Pour your pitaya smoothie into a bowl and add your favorite toppings.
- Storage tip: You can prepare the smoothie base ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw slightly at room temperature, stir, and add your favorite toppings.
- You can usually find frozen pitaya packs in the freezer section of the market, where frozen berries would be. If you can’t locate them, you can purchase frozen pitaya cubes or frozen pitaya packs.
Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 208mg | Potassium: 656mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 147IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 4mg
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Recipe originally published May 2015, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
Behind The Scenes
My pitaya smoothie bowl is a little bit darker than the photos above, as I had more blueberries in my frozen berries bag. And that’s fine! You can use a variety of different frozen fruits as the base. And if I don’t happen to have nuts on hand, I’ll also drizzle some almond butter for a little protein boost. No matter how you make it, it’s sure to be delicious!
