It’s finally summer time!!
Although it’s been an unusually weird, cloudy, and rainy, past couple of months here in Socal, the sunny weather is starting to come along. Hopefully, it stays that way.
It’s summer dammit!
And that gives me all the more reason to enjoy a nice, nutritious, energizing, berry-filled smoothie bowl!
And nothing is more refreshing than enjoying a delicious, ice cold smoothie while chillaxin’ on a hot, summer day…am I right?
Now, an acai bowl would be my number one choice in this situation (namely, this acai bowl recipe right here), but a pitaya bowl, also known as dragonfruit, would be right up there along with it.
And since I didn’t have a pitaya bowl recipe on the blog yet, I knew it was high time for me to create one. Just in time for the summer!
And I’m sure you guys are gonna love this one just as much as I do….
So without further adieu…
Enter….my Dragonfruit Raspberry Chia Protein Smoothie Bowl!!
A protein–filled dragonfruit smoothie blend…..
topped with antioxidant-rich raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, bananas…
packed with high-fiber chia seeds and chopped nuts…
and a luscious, golden, peanut butter drizzle….
Super–nutritious and ultra–refreshing….
this protein smoothie bowl is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or the ultimate refresher on a hot, summer day!
I think that pitaya, or dragonfruit, is a food that slides under the radar, most people have never heard of it, or have even tried it.
It is one exotic, crazy lookin’ fruit!
Its bright, vibrant, pink color, and spiky appearance will instantly catch your attention. It definitely stands out from all the other fruits in the produce section!
Pitaya was first allowed to be imported into the U.S. from Vietnam back in 2008. Even today, they are still rarely available at your local grocery store, fresh or frozen. They are also pretty expensive—I’m talkin’ like $7 to $9 per pound! Sheesh!
Luckily though, any respectable smoothie cafe, juice bar, or health food establishment should have them readily available, just Yelp it.
Or you can just buy the frozen smoothie packets at your local health food store and make your own, like what I’m about to show you here.
Now, I opted to use chopped peanuts for this smoothie bowl instead of the traditionally-used granola because nuts are healthier, have more protein, and are lower in carbs.
Nuts are jam-packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, “healthy” fats—-the list goes on and on.
Nuts are also high in fiber, and according to the Diabetes Education Online website, “fiber is a type of carbohydrate your body can’t digest…you should subtract grams of fiber from the total carbohydrate (count).”
So if you’re watching your carb intake, and want a little more protein boost, nuts over granola is the way to go.
OK, here are the nutritional benefits of the other main ingredients of this protein smoothie bowl…
Dragonfruit, a.k.a. Pitaya, according to numerous sources, contain high amounts of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, flavonoids, which help the body’s immune system, and micronutritents which help fight disease. They also contain lycopene, which is believed to help fight cancer. Pitaya is also high in fiber, which is aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Raspberries are fully loaded with nutrients like vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, fiber, magnesium, etc. They also contain high amounts of tannin, an ellagic acid that studies have shown may help fight certain types of cancers. Raspberries also contain a certain type of anthocyanin that has been shown to help support heart health.
Strawberries are a great source of antioxidants, which studies have shown to help fight cancer, reduce inflammation, fight aging, and help remove toxins from the body. Some of its unique flavonoids may help protect the brain from decline and improve mental cognition. Also, because of its high vitamin A and C content, they may help to hydrate, repair, and protect the skin from sun and environmental damage.
Chia seeds are chock full of essential nutrients like fiber, protein, antioxidants, calcium, manganese, and phosphorus. Studies show its high antioxidant content may help fight the signs of aging and may help protect the skin from damage. Chia seeds are also high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which studies show may help support cardiovascular health and may reduce inflammation.
Here’s what you’ll need….
Some quick notes before you get started…
-Only add as much liquid to the blend as needed! We want a nice, thick, ice cream-like consistency for the bowl!
-Add more protein powder to the blend if you wish. Just add more liquid as needed.
-Try adding frozen bananas to the blend.
-Feel free to mix and match any kind of nuts or fruits you desire.
-To control carb intake, add or subtract fruits, berries, and/or nuts to your liking.
If you like this, then I’m sure you’ll wanna check out my…..
- Blueberry Acai Cacao Protein Smoothie Bowl
- Strawberry Dragonfruit Protein Smoothie
- Ultimate Acai Blueberry Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Alright then, let’s get to it!!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings |
bowl
|
- 2 packets dragonfruit frozen packets (or pitaya)
- 1/8 cup almond milk
- splash Trop50 OJ
- 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
Ingredients
smoothie blend:
toppings:
|
|
- Add smoothie blend ingredients into blender. Blend to nice, thick consistency.
- Pour blend into bowl and add toppings. Drizzle peanut butter on top. Enjoy!!
-Only add as much liquid to the blend as needed! We want a nice, thick, ice cream-like consistency for the bowl!
-Add more protein powder to the blend if you wish. Just add more liquid as needed.
-Try adding frozen bananas to the blend.
-Feel free to mix and match any kind of nuts or fruits you desire.
-To control carb intake, add or subtract fruits, berries, and/or nuts to your liking.
Did you try this recipe? How did it turn out for you?? I would love to hear from you! Sound off in the comments section below or use the social media buttons throughout the website. Enjoy!!