An unusual dragon fruit smoothie, made with lime and yogurt, that boosts immunity, supports moods and is full of fiber, magnesium, iron and is also kid-friendly! Perfect for a nutrition-powered breakfast or snack.
This fresh fruity dragon fruit smoothie is unusual because of the fresh lime flavor and protein-rich yogurt. The beautiful drink boosts immunity, controls moods, stress, and hunger, and is also kid-friendly in flavor and color! For more dragon fruit recipes, check out my pitaya bowl, my dragon fruit water, or even my how to cut a dragon fruit tutorial. And if you like exotic fruits, consider trying my Kiwano melon smoothie.
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon Fruit, or Pitaya, is a gloriously colored Asian melon-like fruit that comes in both white and dark pink meat.
I love dragon fruit because it has a mild flavor and pairs well with creamy fruits such as mango or banana, and yet brings a strong nutritional profile to your smoothie. Plus, paired with coconut water, it makes your smoothie downright tropical. Look at that bright pink color!
Ingredients
Dragon fruit - frozen pink dragon fruit is available at many grocers as a pulp. Or you can seasonally buy a fresh dragon fruit with white meat in the produce area.
Mango - Frozen mango is the thickener in this smoothie. It also provides more sweet flavor. Pitaya is mildly sweet, less sweet then kiwi so it needs some support.
Kiwi - This fruit, peeled and frozen adds a fresh tang, as well as nutrients.
Yogurt - Adds a creamy texture and protein.
Lime Juice - A citrus fruit that adds a bright flavor and amplifies the sweet flavor of mango.
Milk or Coconut Water
Steps to Make
Step 1: Make sure the dragon fruit and mango at least are frozen. I typically open a package of the pink dragon fruit pulp I buy from the grocer's freezer section, and pour it into ice cube trays to make it easier to blend.
Step 2: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend smooth, but not too much so it begins to melt from the warmth of the blender motor.
Step 3: Drink immediately. If you must, refrigerate it for 24 hours but it will lose nutritional value rapidly.
You don't have to layer the smoothie on yogurt, of course. Just use your imagination for customization.
Substitutions & Tips
1.Since dragon fruit is mild in flavor and sweetness, it's best to blend an equal amount of a flavorful fruit such as mango, or pineapple. Since this second fruit also serves as the thickener, a banana works as well.
2.Freeze as many ingredients as possible for a frosty milkshake texture. I even freeze my milk in ice cube trays.
3.If you don't want to use yogurt, a creamy milk such as cashew works, although I would definitely freeze it the prior night in an ice cube tray.
4.If you can't find frozen pink dragon fruit, you can usually find fresh dragon fruit with white meat. It tastes the same. You would peel it, chop it and freeze the white meat and use just as you would the frozen pink dragon fruit.
Nutrition
Dragon fruit is a powerhouse of nutrition, providing antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, vitamin Bs and more! It is so filling, it is said to be beneficial toward weight control by making one feel full. And the added magnesium is a powerful bad-mood-buster and helps control anxiety.
Dragon fruit is also known for having disease fighting components called antioxidants, substances that rid your body of unstable molecules called free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases and aging [source]
Side-effects
Dragon fruit is considered safe to eat, although some allergic reactions have been reported, causing issues like hives and vomiting. The issue seems tied to the bright color which occurs because of the presence of betacyanins and lycopene compounds.
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More Dragon Fruit Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Dragon Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients
Dragon fruit Smoothie
- 1 cup dragon fruit, cubed and frozen
- 1 cup mango, frozen or frozen banana
- ¼ cup kiwis
- ¾ cup dairy free milk or coconut water
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup yogurt
Instructions
Prep
- Make sure at least the dragon fruit and mango is chopped and frozen.1 cup dragon fruit, cubed and frozen, 1 cup mango, frozen
Make Smoothie
- Add ingredients to a blender and process until just smooth. Don't blend too long or the blender motor will melt the smoothie.1 cup dragon fruit, cubed and frozen, 1 cup mango, frozen, ¼ cup kiwis, ¾ cup dairy free milk or coconut water, 2 tablespoon lime juice, ¼ cup yogurt
- Drink cold.
Storage
- This smoothie can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days. It may separate into layers so you'll have to stir it up. Or pour smoothie into ice cube trays and re-blend when you are ready to drink.
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