Dragon Fruit Strawberry Smoothie

The recipe is quick and easy to prepare using frozen dragon fruit. The mild, sweet tropical fruit is paired with fresh strawberries to create a delicious, dairy-free smoothie. The frozen ripe banana adds creaminess, while the kiwi provides a sweet, tart flavor.

For more dairy-free smoothie recipes, try a strawberry blackberry smoothie or a blueberry raspberry smoothie.  For another pitaya smoothie, try a mango and dragon fruit smoothie.

Recipe features

• Plant-based and dairy-free!
• Takes less than 10 minutes to make!
• The recipe uses frozen dragon fruit!

Ingredients and substitutions

The dragon fruit and strawberry smoothie recipe uses simple ingredients, but please see the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

Frozen dragon fruit (pitaya)- There are several varieties of dragon fruit, but I only tested with the cubed frozen red/purple flesh variety.  It's ripe, chopped, and I can have it on hand to whip up a smoothie quickly.  If fresh dragon fruit is used, you may want to add ice cubes or use frozen strawberries instead of fresh to have a chilled smoothie.

Fresh strawberries - Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used, but a mixture of fresh and frozen components is best, so you get a chilled smoothie without an icy texture.  If it's strawberry season, I opt for using fresh because where I live, they tend to taste better than frozen.  

For more recipes with strawberries, try a passion fruit mocktail with strawberries or a strawberry mango banana smoothie.

Frozen ripe banana - Use a ripe brown spotted banana to add sweetness and a creamy texture to the smoothie.  If you opt to use a fresh ripe banana instead of frozen, the smoothie will be thinner.

Kiwi - The kiwi skin is edible, so you can trim off the ends and add the whole thing to the blender without peeling it.  I didn't notice a difference in flavor for the skin being on or off.  It can be peeled if you prefer.  Unripe kiwis can have a sour taste, and ripe kiwis can have a sweet, tangy flavor.

Tips

• Be sure to use a ripe kiwi if you don't like the sour taste of unripe kiwi fruit.
• If you don't have a high-speed blender and your blender has trouble blending frozen fruit, let the frozen fruit partially thaw before blending to make it easier on your blender.  You may not need as much water for this option.
• If you use all fresh fruit instead of frozen, you may want to reduce the amount of water.  The smoothie also won't be chilled if you use all fresh fruit.
• If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, try adding soft pitted dates.  If your dates are not soft, soak them in the water used for the recipe for about 30 minutes.

Variations

Enjoy the dragon fruit smoothie as is or try a different variation.

• Instead of kiwi, try lime juice.  Add to taste.
• Use frozen mango instead of strawberries, like in this mango dragon fruit smoothie.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or fresh kale.  This will alter the color of the smoothie.
• Make the recipe into a smoothie bowl by using less water.  To make it easier on your blender to blend frozen fruit into a smoothie bowl, let the frozen fruit partially thaw before blending.  This reduces the need for so much liquid to puree the frozen fruit.  Then top it with oil-free granola, sliced banana, shredded coconut, fresh or thawed pineapple chunks, fresh or thawed dragon fruit, fresh or thawed mango chunks, or fresh berries.

How to make a strawberry dragon fruit smoothie

Add the frozen diced dragon fruit, hulled strawberries, one frozen ripe brown spotted banana, one peeled kiwi, and one cup of water to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

If the smoothie is too thin to your liking, add more frozen dragon fruit, frozen strawberries, or banana to thicken.  You can also try whole chia seeds.

If the smoothie is too thick, add more water to thin it out. Serve and enjoy!

Servings suggestions

Smoothies tend to be delicious but not very filling.  I use them as an afternoon snack and not as a main meal.  To enjoy this smoothie as a meal, try pairing it with strawberry toast, avocado tomato toast, vegan avocado toast, vegan toast, dairy-free overnight oats, or plant-based granola.

Storage

Refrigerator - The smoothie is best served immediately, but store the leftover smoothie in an airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator and consume it within 24 hours.  If there is any liquid separation, stir it back in. 

Freezer - Leftovers can be frozen in ice cube trays and used later to add flavor to another smoothie.

Frequently asked questions

Related Recipes

• Strawberry mango banana smoothie
• Blueberry raspberry smoothie
• Mango and cherry smoothie
• Peach and pineapple smoothie
• Blackberry and strawberry smoothie

I hope you enjoyed the recipe!  If you did feel free to rate it and leave a comment.