Save Pin
Anytime I want a pick-me-up that’s bright and so tasty, I throw together this dragon fruit blend. It goes fast, barely any cleanup, and totally perks me up—morning or afternoon, it just hits right.
The first time I made this, I spotted some frozen dragon fruit at the market and gave it a try. Now my whole family loves it—the color just brings energy to our week.
Vivid Ingredients
- Frozen pink dragon fruit: wild magenta color comes straight from the fruit; check the freezer aisle for pitaya packs that aren’t sweetened for best flavor
- Almond or coconut milk: makes it creamy and super light; pick unsweetened and use it fresh so your smoothie stays crisp, not too sweet
- Pineapple juice: adds a tropical twist and nice sweetness; grab juice that’s not from concentrate for an extra fresh vibe
Simple How-To
- Toss Everything In:
- Add your frozen dragon fruit, plant milk, and pineapple juice into your blender cup. The colder your fruit, the smoother it gets.
- Blend It All Up:
- Start slow so the fruit gets broken up, then turn up the speed. Give it quick pulses for a really smooth finish. Let it spin till it’s super creamy and bright—about a minute. Stop and scrape if any pieces cling to the sides.
- Try and Adjust:
- Take a sip before serving. If you want more sweetness, tip in extra pineapple juice. Too thick? Splash in more milk and blend once more to make it thinner.
- Serve and Sip:
- Pour right into a chilled glass and drink up. Want to go fancy? Add a pineapple wedge or a slice of dragon fruit on top.
Save Pin
What I love most is how wild this blend looks on the table. My kids are always wowed by the color. The youngest always claims first sip and takes all the credit for “helping out.”
How To Store
Tastes best right after blending, but you can keep it in a tight jar in your fridge up to one day. The stuff might settle—just stir or shake before you drink. Freezing makes it icy, but leftovers are super fun as homemade popsicles.
Switch Things Up
If you can’t find dragon fruit, try frozen mango or swirl in some raspberries with strawberries for a totally new spin. The flavor will change a little, but it’s still tasty! You could swap orange juice for pineapple juice, or use oat or dairy milk if you don’t have almond or coconut.
Serving Fun
Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the smoothie in for max chill. Or, make it a bowl, then pile on extras like coconut shreds, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of chia for crunch. My kids love using silly straws and sometimes we lay out toppings so everyone gets their own treat.
Save Pin
Origins and Stories
Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, has roots in Central America but you’ll find it everywhere across Asia and the islands. People go wild for the eye-catching look and the chilled, mellow taste—it’s like a pear mixed with a kiwi. Folks have loved eating it for ages, mostly because lots believe it’s got huge antioxidant perks.
Common Questions
- → What's the best type of dragon fruit for this?
Frozen pink dragon fruit is awesome for this—tons of color and super soft texture. If you can only find white, go for it, it still blends up just fine.
- → Can I pick a different milk?
Oh, totally! Try oat, soy, coconut, or even plain old milk. Each one's got its own thing going on with texture and flavor.
- → How can I make this thicker?
Just add a frozen banana or a scoop of ice before you blend. You'll get a thicker, frostier smoothie that way.
- → Want it to taste sweeter?
Mix in some dates, honey, or agave if you're craving a little more sweetness.
- → Any creative ways to serve this?
Pour it in a big cup or make a smoothie bowl! Top with some fresh fruit, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or coconut flakes for fun and flavor.