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If you want a creamy pink treat that feels like being on vacation, whip up this Dragonfruit Banana Vanilla Smoothie. It's ready in no time, tastes super tropical, and feels just as good after a workout as it does for a busy morning start.
This first happened during a hectic morning and I couldn't get over how much the kids wanted more. Now it's our go-to for both snacks and breakfast all the time.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Protein powder: Toss in your usual protein scoop for a nutrition boost that doesn't change the taste
- Honey: If you need a little extra sweetness, add a drizzle of honey
- Plain vanilla dairy free yogurt: Adds thickness with a tangy touch, totally optional if you want it super creamy. Try to grab a thick style yogurt if you can.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Helps all the ingredients blend smooth while keeping it light. Pick a no sugar added milk when possible.
- Vanilla extract: Makes every fruit flavor pop. Go for pure vanilla so it's extra smooth.
- Frozen dragonfruit: Packs in color and antioxidants plus fiber. You can usually find it already chopped in the freezer section.
- Frozen banana: The big player for creaminess and sweetness. Use a ripe one, slice and freeze it for extra dreamy texture.
- Tip: Start with fruit that's really frozen to make your smoothie cold and thick!
Simple How-To Steps
- Enjoy:
- Drink your smoothie right away poured in a tall glass so it’s at its coldest and creamiest
- Adjust Consistency:
- Want it easier to sip or pour? Splash in more almond milk a little at a time and blend it again
- Blend Until Ultra Smooth:
- Crank up the blender to high and let it go for at least a minute. Stop to scrape the sides if you need. Add more almond milk if things look stuck. You're aiming for the creamy texture of soft serve.
- Add to Blender:
- Toss in the frozen banana, dragonfruit, vanilla, almond milk, and yogurt if you want. Liquid and soft stuff at the bottom helps your blender out.
- Gather Ingredients:
- Grab everything you need and make sure your banana and dragonfruit really are frozen solid – that’s what gives you that shake-like smoothie
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What really makes this drink special is the awesome color. Dragonfruit turns your smoothie magenta, every time. My family always points out how cool it looks and then races for seconds before I even rinse the blender.
Easy Storage
Honestly, smoothies are at their best when super fresh but you can get ahead by prepping the frozen fruit in single-serve bags. If you end up saving leftovers, pop the smoothie in the fridge for a day. Just remember to shake it up or give it a stir before you drink it.
Swaps and Alternatives
No dragonfruit? Use frozen mango or strawberries for that same pretty texture. Want it creamier? Add the dairy-free yogurt, but if you’re after something lighter just skip it. You can swap the almond milk for oat, coconut, or whatever kind of milk suits you best.
Ways to Serve
Sprinkle on granola, coconut flakes, or chia seeds for some crunch. Make it a smoothie bowl with your favorite fruit and nuts loaded on top. Split it up for two snacks or pour it all in one glass for a solid breakfast.
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Fun Origins and Facts
Dragonfruit or pitaya started out in Mexico and Central America, but now you find it in smoothies everywhere. I first grabbed it because of that wild color. Now, every smoothie shop stocks it – it tastes mellow and blends right in with banana and vanilla for a dreamy combo.
Recipe FAQs
- → Is it okay to swap in fresh dragonfruit?
Yep! Fresh works, but toss in ice cubes or chill the dragonfruit before blending if you want it thick and frosty.
- → What's an easy way to make this taste sweeter?
Squeeze in a little maple syrup or honey to match your sweet tooth without hiding those fruity flavors.
- → What if I'm out of almond milk?
Grab oat, coconut, or soy milk, or go for regular milk if you don’t mind dairy. All of them blend in just fine.
- → Do I have to put yogurt in this?
Yogurt gives it more body, but it's cool to skip for a lighter drink. Any plain or plant-based yogurt works.
- → Any tricks to sneak in more protein?
Dump in a bit of protein powder or a scoop of your favorite nut butter for a boost that’ll keep you full.
- → Can I make this and store for later?
It’s best right after blending, but stashing it in the fridge for a few hours works. Just give it a good stir before you drink because it might separate.