This Dragon Fruit Smoothie is jam-packed with antioxidants, and is incredibly easy to make. I love how vibrant the color is, especially since it makes my kids want to drink it, too!
Dragon Fruit Benenfits
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, comes in two varieties– one with white flesh, and one with a bright magenta-colored flesh. The magenta flesh is sweeter than the white version, and it also has a little more nutrition, so that’s what I’m using in this smoothie recipe.
Here’s what else I love about dragon fruit:
- It’s rich in fiber, which may help to prevent against heart disease (source)
- Fruit, in general, has been shown to aid in weight loss efforts despite its natural sugar content (source)
- It’s loaded with antioxidants, like vitamin C and carotenoids, which have been linked to reduced risk of cancer and heart disease (source)
- Dragon fruit contains prebiotics, which may promote a healthy gut (source)
- It may help boost your iron levels. One cup of dragon fruit has 8% of your daily iron needs, and it also contains vitamin C, which is thought to help boost iron absorption. (source)
- Dragon fruit has more magnesium than most other fruits, which is an important mineral that promotes bone health and food metabolism. (source)
- The vitamin C in Dragon Fruit may help to boost your immune system (source)
How to Eat Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is available fresh or frozen at grocery stores, and it’s similar to an avocado in the sense that you cut it in half, and then scoop out the flesh inside to eat. You can eat it on its own, add it to salads, or smoothies like this one. If you can find fresh dragon fruit, feel free to cut it into chunks and freeze those in an airtight container for this smoothie. The freezer packs I’ve found are 100g each, or just over 1/2 cup of puree.
If you’re like me and can only find frozen dragon fruit at the moment, there are convenient freezer packs available of dragon fruit puree. (That should be the only ingredient on the label!) I’m using Pitaya Plus brand in this recipe, because that’s what is available at my local store, but any similar freezer packs would work! I like to run the packs under my faucet for a moment to loosen them up, then I cut the bag in half to easily squeeze them into my blender.
Dragon Fruit Smoothie
I’ve been making this dragon fruit smoothie on a near daily-basis lately, even when it’s cold outside! The trick for me to enjoy a cold smoothie in the winter is adding a little bit of fresh ginger to the mix.
Ginger warms you up from the inside, and adds an amazing depth of flavor to this smoothie combination. Even my kids love it! If you’re leery of ginger, start with a very small piece, as a little can go a long way.
Dragon Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
- 1 banana , frozen (peel before freezing!)
- 1 100g packet of frozen dragon fruit (about 1/2 cup frozen puree)
- 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
- 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger (or to taste)
- 1 large handful fresh baby spinach (optional; this will affect color)
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, add the water, OJ, banana, dragon fruit, blueberries, ginger, and spinach, if using. Blend until very smooth, then serve right away.
Nutrition
For the whole batch: Calories: 263, Fat: 0g, Carbohydrates: 63g, Fiber: 7g, Protein: 3g
Recipe Notes:
- You can leave out the orange juice and just use more water, if you prefer a less-sweet smoothie. I like the added sweet & tart flavor from the juice, so you could add a small squeeze of lemon or lime juice as an alternative.
- As always, you can modify this smoothie to your needs. You can add hemp hearts for protein, or a spoonful of almond butter for some added fat and fiber.
- I used banana to sweeten this smoothie, and keep in mind that I don’t like the flavor of banana in smoothies. With the other ingredients, you can’t really taste it in this case. However, you could also use 2-3 Medjool dates for a similar sweetness if you want to leave out the banana.
Reader Feedback: Have you used dragon fruit before? Feel free to share other recipe ideas or requests in the comments below!
I’ve been loving dragon fruit smoothies lately as well! And ginger is always a favorite of mine, so I’ll try your combo next!
I tried it yesterday. It is really tasty and healthy. Thank you for such wonderful Recipe.
Delicious and simple. Made this as posted. I also made one with
1/2 cup coconut water,
1/2 cup frozen dragon fruit
1/2 cup frozen mango
1/2 cup fresh pineapple
1 banana
1/2 inch fresh ginger
Handful of spinach
Im liking your ‘medical medium complient’ recipes! Please keep them coming!
Can you make this the night before?
yup!
This looks refreshing. Where do you find these frozen dragonfruit smoothie packs? Thanks!
I’ve found them in the freezer section at Whole Foods or Target.
I love the strong intense dragon fruit colour you got from this smoothie recipe that you’ve done. I must try this recipe!.
My first time trying was this morning & it’s delish! This is something that I will definitely be making again! Thanks for posting.
My I know how much of fresh dragon fruits to use for the above recipe, instead of using the frozen dragon fruit? It it good to drink this smoothies in the evening time after dinner? I am concerned because of the sweetness.
I just had this smoothie and it was so delicious I will make it again
My picky 5-year-old drank this. My mama heart was so happy. I didn’t want it to taste like ginger so I put a smaller piece. Ginger is so powerful in taste, she’s right a little goes a long way. Thanks Detoxinista!
Very yummy , enjoyed the taste of the hunt of ginger and the orange juice wasn’t over powering !
AWESOME!
This smoothie is so tasty, the hint of ginger is perfect. It spices up the “regular berry smoothie. Great recipe, this will be a staple in my home. Thank you!
does not taste good at all
i used cranberry juice instead of orange juice and it was delicious. i will definitely be making this again
sounds delicious and simple to make
thank you for sharing this recipe
So tasty, filling, and a beautiful color which is just a plus. I love your recipes, thank you!!
I mad it by my self it was good, i add more of dragon fruit to get intensive color 🙂
This was so delicious! I used coconut water instead of water. Definitely a repeat. I love dragonfruit so much especially the color.
Dargon fruit is healthy and loved the recipe.