Pitaya Smoothie Bowl
The sweet flesh of pitaya (also known as dragon fruit) makes for a delicious, nutritious and vibrant pitaya smoothie bowl.
This is the breakfast that got me obsessed with breakfast smoothie bowls. Yep, it all started with pitaya while I was exploring all the nooks, crannies, volcanoes and rice fields of Bali.
I still have to pinch myself that I spent two whole months on the little island – and motorbiked around the vast majority of it. But having those two wheels gave me ample time to sample pitaya smoothie bowls from several locations – you know, for research purposes.
But if you’re from the US, you may be a pitaya smoothie bowl newbie. So first, let’s review all you need to know about pitaya.
What is Pitaya?
- Pitaya is grown predominantly in Central America and Southeast Asia, but can also be found in Hawaii, Northern Australia, Southern China and Cyprus.
- It’s the fruit of a cactus.
- There are both sour and sweet, as well as white-fleshed and pink-fleshed varieties (with little seeds reminiscent of kiwi fruit). Most of what you’ll find in the US or what you’ll eat abroad is the sweet variety with pink flesh.
- The flavor is not vibrant like the flesh. In fact, it’s surprising mild – more similar to melon.
- Pitaya is loaded with antioxidents, Vitamin C, Vitamin B’s, fiber and magnesium.
- Some laud it as a superfood (similar to acai), but I like to think of it as one more delicious fruit in my rainbow colored fruit repertoire.
How to Make a Pitaya Smoothie Bowl
Now, you might be wondering how you’re gonna make this recipe if you haven’t recently traveled to an exotic location. But I’ve got good news for you! You can buy frozen pitaya online in the US. Even better? You’ll receive frozen pitaya packs of the flesh, so there’s no work and messing around with the fruit. Seriously, it couldn’t be easier.
You literally put a pack (or two) in your high-powered blender with a few other ingredients and within seconds you’ve got a pitaya smoothie bowl. Then, simply sprinkle your garnishes on top for a cool, refreshing and vibrant breakfast.
More Smoothie Bowl Recipes
Pitaya Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
Pitaya Smoothie Bowl
- 2 Pitaya Plus packs
- 1 banana
- 4 strawberries
- 3/4 cup coconut water
Optional Toppings
- strawberries
- kiwi fruit
- cashews
- coconut
Instructions
- Add the frozen pitaya, banana, strawberries and coconut water into a high powered blender. Blend on high for one minute, until well combined.
- Pour your pitaya smoothie into a bowl and add your toppings.
Lisa's Tips
- 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 also purchase frozen pitaya online.
I made this for my husband today and he loved it. Thank you so much for this recipe. :)
This is the perfect way to start the day!
I love smoothie bowls — thanks for all your tips!
I could start my day with this smoothie bowl every day. It’s delicious and full of vitamins.
I love making smoothie bowls. Those pitaya packs are so convenient!
I can only find frozen dragonfuit in cubes, basically, in a large bag. How many oz should I add?
Hi Laura – each frozen pitaya pack is 100g, so 200g total for the recipe. I’d measure out the same amount in your cubes. :)
This will be my breakfast at least one of the mornings this weekend!!! :p
I really hope your thumb is recovering. And- coincident as usual- I managed to mandoline slice a finger too a few days ago. So, note to self: Never use a mandoline when you’re so tired you’re almost asleep… ;) (that goes for me)
Oh, no! It’s the worst, isn’t it?! Mine is healing (thank goodness) – but when I used it again yesterday I wore a kevlar glove as added precaution. Ha! Hope yours heals fast too! xo
It’s healing, no problem! And I used it just an hour ago… a BIT more careful this time though :D :D :D
This looks amazing can’t wait to try. Gosh your photographs are so GORGEOUS x
Thanks love! And I’ve been working on my photo skills. Helps when you’re constantly whipping up new recipes to practice on! ;) xo
Such a beautiful post Lisa… thank you so much for sharing and happy you came across that beautiful fruit:)
Me too! Now, I may have to sample the ones in Central America….just to make sure they taste the same. ;)