Wake up and feel like you’re on vacation with this high-protein Papaya Smoothie Bowl. Blended with juicy papaya, fresh lime juice, and creamy coconut milk, it’s bright, refreshing, and surprisingly filling.
"I tried this as a pre-workout smoothie, and it was so delicious! The papaya and lime go so well together, and I cannot believe that it doesn't have any banana, it is just so creamy! I will totally be making this again." -Jenn
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 5 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 1
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 401 kcals and 26 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Papaya, vegan vanilla protein powder, coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and frozen pineapple.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: It’s thick, tropical, and protein-packed, making it feel like a vacation in a bowl while still keeping you full and energized.
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This breakfast brings steady energy without feeling heavy. It works beautifully as a papaya protein shake base, then turns into a thick, spoonable smoothie bowl you can customize with your favorite smoothie bowl toppings to keep things fresh. It’s simple, filling, and a great option if you’re aiming for a papaya smoothie for weight loss that still feels fun and satisfying.
The real trick to a great smoothie bowl is getting that ultra-thick texture, and this one nails it, thanks to a few tips I use from learning how to make balanced smoothies. I love starting my morning (or breaking a fast) with this bowl, not just because it tastes amazing, but because the tropical taste boosts my mood. The flavors are bright and refreshing, the same way they are in this dragon fruit smoothie bowl.
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💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Allergy-friendly: Narurally dairy-free and gluten-free the protein smoothie is also vegan and can be made paleo-approved.
Tasty flavor: With a bright, uplifting flavor and thick texture, this smoothie is a great way to kick off the morning.
Easy to make: Smoothies in general are quick to whip up but this is one you can actually meal prep too!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ripe papaya: You can use fresh or frozen papaya here, depending on what you have on hand.
- Frozen pineapple: This is the “secret sauce” right here. Frozen pineapple blends into a super creamy mix and makes it so you don’t need bananas.
- Coconut milk: Make sure to use the coconut cream part from the can. That’s what will make this papaya smoothie (and this matcha banana smoothie) ultra-rich.
- Vegan protein powder: You always want to kick off your morning with protein as it's a great way to stay full, and if your goals are weight loss, it leans into that as well! Learn more about how to increase your daily protein. Also, know that the protein powder you choose will affect the taste and texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
- Yogurt: This is an easy way to add more protein to your day. Aim for a dairy-free Greek yogurt if possible.
- Healthy fats: Swirling in some almond butter, help hearts, or coconut flakes helps boost the satiety of the papaya protein smoothie.
- Chocolate: You can never go wrong with a chocolate flavor. Add raw cacao powder into the smoothie base for a rich taste.
How To Make A Papaya Smoothie Bowl
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend for 1-2 minutes. You may need to use a tamper to press everything down.
Step 3: Make sure it is fully smooth.
Step 4: Pour it into a bowl, top it with your favorites, and enjoy!
Expert Tips To Make It
Add your coconut milk to the blender first to make it easier for the blender to process.
The key to a smoothie bowl is using frozen fruits. That’s what makes them thick.
Use a combination of any of these smoothie bowl toppings and change your bowl up daily as per your mood!
Make it paleo: I recently made the switch from vegan to beef-based protein (learn about the benefits of beef protein powder). To make this papaya smoothie paleo-approved, use either Equip Protein, which has the BEST flavors, or Paleo Pro, which is the cleanest protein I've found. This will change the texture a bit, but it'll still be thick and delicious.
Meal prepping: Did you know you can actually prep smoothies in advance? Combine all the ingredients for the papaya protein smoothie bowl except the coconut milk in a plastic bag and pop it into the freezer. In the am, break apart the bag a bit, add the coconut to the blender first, and dump in the bag ingredients!
Papaya Smoothie Bowl FAQs
Though you can make it in advance, the papaya smoothie bowl won’t stay thick and creamy. In fact, it will become a lot more watery and much more smoothie-like.
Frozen fruit is the secret to a thick smoothie bowl. Fruits like frozen bananas, frozen mangos, and frozen avocados are especially good at creating that thick, ice cream-like texture.
All liquids work and have their purpose. Dairy-free milk, like almond, cashew, and coconut milk, will make the smoothie creamier and thicker. Coconut water, on the other hand, will bump up its electrolytes.
Other tropical fruits mix best with papaya, like pineapple or kiwi. However, strawberries, blueberries, and cherries are delicious as well.
More Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love
If you tried this Papaya Smoothie Bowl Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Papaya Smoothie Bowl (High-Protein)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ripe papaya
- ½ cup Frozen pineapple
- 1 Lime freshly juiced
- ⅓ cup Vegan vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup Coconut milk
- 3 Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a high-powered blender.
- Blend for 1-2 minutes. You may need to use a tamper to press everything down.
- Make sure it is fully smooth.
- Pour it into a bowl, top it with your favorites, and enjoy!
Notes
- The more ripe your papaya is, the sweeter your smoothie bowl.
- Add your coconut milk to the blender first to make it easier for the blender to process.
- The key to a smoothie bowl is using frozen fruits. That’s what makes them thick.
- You can replace the frozen pineapple with frozen banana for a different flavor.
- Makes one super large serving but can easily make two smaller servings.
- Beef protein powder: My personal favorite. If you use Equip protein, the smoothie will be sweeter but thicker. If you use Paleo Pro Protein, the smoothie is as close to natural as it gets. Code "mamabear" on both will save you some money.
- Vegan protein powder: If you're using a pea-based protein powder, the smoothie will have a thicker texture, and if using a fermented protein, you'll probably have to add extra liquid. Vegan proteins aren't always sweet, so adjust the turmeric shake as needed.
- Egg white protein powder: This will froth your smoothie up a lot.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Traci says
This was the perfect breakfast! I absolutely needed something like this! It’s been so hot and this was the perfect meal!
fitasamamabear says
Glad it cooled you off!
Jenn says
I tried this as a pre-workout smoothie, and it was so delicious! The papaya and lime go so well together, and I cannot belive that it doesn't have any banana, it is just so creamy! I will totally be making this again.
fitasamamabear says
The creamy thing gets me every time, I LOVE creamy smoothies.
Julie says
Perfect combination of flavors and so refreshing! I really loved it, thank you!
Lisa says
I ditched the high price of smoothie bowls at a local shop and started making my own. The papaya base in this recipe is refreshing and goes well with many different toppings. It's a new favorite.
Gina says
Papaya is so great for digestion, it's a great smoothie to start the day with! This combo with pineapple is perfect.
fitasamamabear says
I never thought of it for digestion, yes!!
Kelly Powers says
Yum! I'm sure some avocado would be nice in here!
fitasamamabear says
Mmm it would make it deliciously thick!
Jessica says
This smoothie bowl transported me back to when I went on vacation in Mexico and there was an amazing breakfast buffet full of fresh tropical fruits. This breakfast also kept going until lunch without feeling the need for a snack.
fitasamamabear says
Omg I love all the fresh fruits on vacations like that, amazing is brought you back!
Healing Tomato says
I actually served this as a dessert smoothie after a burger meal and it was beyond delicious! My family licked their bowls because it was so good. I used vanilla vegan protein and coconut milk.
fitasamamabear says
Haha this is AMAZING. Coconut milk makes everything so rich.
Angela Pagliarello says
It was my first time making a smoothie bowl at home! Delicious, thanks for all the tips!
fitasamamabear says
Ahhh I'm so excited I got to help with your first one! You'll be hooked now lol
Gina says
Love using papaya in smoothies, there's so many great digestion benefits from it! This smoothie was super filling and creamy - delicious!
fitasamamabear says
There is! And it makes everything super creamy too!
Julianne says
I love this smoothie bowl! The flavors have a wonderful tropical flair and it's very filling. It's the perfect post workout treat!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks so much, it's definitely nice and refreshing!