Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie Recipe

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If the vibrant color of this Dragon Fruit Smoothie is not enough to get you hooked, the tropical flavors sure will be! This nutrient-rich drink is packed with delicious tasting, healthy ingredients, and is a great way to kick off your morning!

Glass of dragonfruit smoothie with a slice of dragonfruit as a wedge garnish, and bowl of fruit and blender in background.

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What is Dragon Fruit?
Ingredient Information
How to Freeze Fruit
How to Make a Smoothie
Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes
Recipe
Reviews

What is Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a sweet and mild tropical fruit grown in Central America and South America. Some say it tastes similar to kiwi, but it has less flavor than a kiwi fruit. My kids love to eat dragon fruit because they are so beautiful and exotic in appearance. But they don't just look gorgeous, they are nutritious as well! Dragon fruit is considered a superfood, as it is antioxidant-rich, and packed with fiber, lycopene, and Vitamin C.

There are 3 different varieties of dragon fruit:

Pink skin with white flesh - This fruit is about the size of a softball. It is the most common to find at the grocery store. This varietal is very mild in flavor and is the least sweet.
Pink skin with red flesh - While the outer appearance is similar to its white flesh cousin, this dragon fruit is larger and rounder than the other. It is sweeter than white dragon fruit, and can usually be found in the frozen section of your grocery store.
Yellow skin with white flesh - This dragon fruit varietal can be hard to find, but if you see it then get it! It is the sweetest of all of the dragon fruits. So delicious!

Overhead shot of pink blended smoothie in a blender cup.

Ingredient Information

Fruit - The dragon fruit's mild flavor is balanced with the sweetness of mango and bananas. With that natural fruit sweetness, this smoothie needs no added sugar! We also get a little tartness from the pineapple. Fresh dragon fruit can be used, or you can purchase it already frozen.

Protein Powder - Not only does protein powder add nutrients, but it also makes your smoothie creamier! I use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, but whey protein or your favorite plant-based protein can be used.

Coconut Milk - You can substitute equal parts of almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or regular cow's milk. You can even use coconut water to make your smoothie extra hydrating!

How to Freeze Fruit

Using frozen fruit in a smoothie helps the drink to be thick and cold. Frozen fruit can be purchased at your grocery store, but you can also easily freeze fresh fruit!

Cut your fruit into cubes.
Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper and lay the fruit on the paper in a single layer.
Freeze for 2 hours, until the fruit is firm. Remove from the paper and place in a freezer-safe container.
Place back in the freezer.

The fruit will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Make a Smoothie

If you have a high-quality blender then it does not matter what order you build your smoothie. However, if you have difficulty with it blending well then try putting the liquid into the blender first.

2-step collage showing fruit in blender cup and also pouring milk into blender cup.

Variations

Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl - It is so easy to turn your smoothie into a breakfast bowl! Just blend as normal, then pour into a bowl and top with your favorite ingredients like coconut flakes, berries, and granola.
Dragon Berry Smoothie - Because dragon fruit is mild in flavor, it pairs well with sweeter fruits. Tropical fruits complement this fruit beautifully, as we have done in this smoothie recipe. But there is a wide variety of fruit that can be used! Berries work really well. Try adding strawberries and blueberries to your dragon fruit smoothie!

3 glasses of dragon fruit smoothie side by side on a wooden board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a smoothie in advance?

Smoothies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving. You can also make your own frozen dragon fruit smoothie packs by placing all of the ingredients, except for the coconut milk, in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just add the coconut milk, along with the contents of the bag, into a blender when you are ready to serve.

Is this dragon fruit smoothie vegan?

The dragon fruit smoothie can be made vegan by using a plant-based protein powder.

Can I boost the nutritional value with add-ins?

There are so many additions that can be added to this smoothie! Experiment with your favorites, including adding a tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds, and up to a cup of spinach or kale.

Does my fruit have to be frozen?

While freezing your fruit will give the smoothie the best texture, fresh fruit can be used as well. Simply add ½ cup of ice cubes to the mix before blending.

Can I make this as a yogurt smoothie?

A quarter cup of plain or vanilla yogurt can be added to this recipe, with no other adjustments needed. I recommend Greek yogurt to maximize the protein.

More Recipes

Overhead shot of smoothie, with dragon fruit chunks and lime as garnish, and a second smoothie cup at top, with slices of dragon fruit on the side.

If you tried this recipe, please rate and review it so others can see what you thought. This smoothie is the kind of thing that has to be shared! When you post your photo on social media, tag me in your photos on Instagram @stateofdinner. I would love to see your dish!!

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