Alternatively known as THE SMOOTHIE THAT IS SAVING ME.
Seriously—this smoothie has been my daily lifesaver lately.
In a long update I shared recently, I mentioned I’m pausing cocktail Thursdays for now. Instead I’ll be sharing more refreshing, nonalcoholic drinks and mocktails, plus the smoothies I’ve been relying on. This is one of my absolute favorites: cold, icy, vibrant and easy to make, especially when I only want something chilly and soothing.
Here’s what I use most often and why it works so well.
Pink dragonfruit, or pitaya, is my obsession. I buy frozen cubes and smoothie packets in bulk; they form the vibrant, slightly tart base for this drink. If you dislike bananas, good news: this smoothie is banana-free and still creamy and satisfying.
I also like adding a frozen fiber fruit blend for natural sweetness and extra texture—almost like adding a date but without the chew. Fresh or frozen blueberries add antioxidants and a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the pitaya.
Sometimes I throw in a handful of fresh spinach. It blends in without altering the color too much and adds a serving of greens. Whether I add spinach depends on how many vegetables I’ve already eaten that day and what I’m planning for dinner.
Other staple additions:
After years of being tired of traditional protein powders, I switched to collagen peptides and love them. They dissolve easily, are effectively tasteless, and add protein without grit or flavor. I add a scoop to my smoothie nearly every day. Occasionally I’ll use plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess, but when I’ve had sinus or allergy issues I skip the dairy.
I also include hemp hearts and chia seeds for healthy fats and texture. A little flax oil or ground flaxseed adds omega-3s; sometimes I use a splash of coconut oil instead. Nut butters are great when the smoothie contains banana, but with pitaya and berries I usually skip peanut or almond butter so the bright fruit flavors remain front and center.
For liquids, I like a mix of almond or coconut milk and coconut water. The coconut water adds subtle sweetness and electrolytes; I prefer high-quality brands for the best taste. Adjust the milk-to-water ratio to reach your preferred thickness.
The result is a creamy, brilliantly colored smoothie that’s quick to make and packs a lot of nutrition into one glass. I don’t make this exact version every day, but most of my smoothies include many of these same ingredients. Making a smaller smoothie is an easy way to get plenty of nutrients while still leaving room for treats when I want them.
Blueberry Pink Dragonfruit Smoothie
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Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup frozen pitaya (pink dragonfruit)
- 1 to 2 pieces frozen figs (or plums/apricots)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup almond, coconut, or other milk
- 1/2 cup coconut water
- 1 scoop collagen peptides
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- 1/2 tablespoon flax oil
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds (mixed with water for 5 minutes)
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Adjust liquid for desired consistency.
And that color—seriously stunning.