Wake up and feel like you’re on vacation with this papaya smoothie bowl! Made with juicy papaya, fresh lime juice, and creamy coconut milk this smoothie bowl is a breakfast that lifts you up.
If you’re seeking a healthy breakfast that will give you ENERGY all morning long, this papaya smoothie bowl is a perfect choice.
Though the base of the smoothie bowl is simple, top it with the best smoothie bowl toppings to create something new each and every time.
The trick to a perfect smoothie bowl is making sure that it comes out ultra thick. And this one does (thanks to a few tips on learning how to make green smoothies!).
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love kicking off my morning (or breaking my fast!) with this smoothie bowl in part because it’s delicious.
But also because the color of it just makes my soul happy. The flavors literally pop in your mouth (just like this dragon fruit smoothie bowl).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this smoothie bowl because it’s:
- Packed with protein
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan
- Made in just 5 minutes
- Bright, colorful, and uplifting
- Thick and creamy
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this strawberry smoothie bowl is that you don’t need too many ingredients! And though most smoothie bowls will use frozen bananas, this one switches that up.
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! Learn more about how to increase your daily protein. Also, know that the protein powder you choose will affect the taste and texture.
Fresh lime juice: this gives the smoothie bowl a refreshing, tropical feel.
Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet.
How To Make It
- Combine all the ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor.
- 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!
Step By Step Photos
Important Teaching Tips
You should be able to use whey protein powder in this smoothie bowl recipe if you need to. However, whey protein doesn’t absorb like vegan protein powder and so it may alter the texture a bit.
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 5 of these smoothie bowl toppings and change your bowl up daily as per your mood!
Add Ins
If you want to amp up the nutritional base of the papaya smoothie bowl, you can add in any of the following:
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
- Yogurt
- Coconut flakes
- Almond butter
Personally, I would rather use my favorite toppings on top of the bowl for texture though. And keep in mind that adding something like chia seeds to the papaya smoothie bowl will change its texture.
Which Protein Powder To Choose
The protein powder you choose makes a difference to the smoothie bowl in both texture and taste.
This papaya smoothie bowl has been made with Genuine Healths Fermented Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder as well as Botanica Protein Powder.
The Genuine Health powder will make the smoothie thicker whereas the Botanica protein powder will give it a sweeter profile.
These are two of my favorite proteins because they actually taste good. The Genuine Health one is also fermented which means it’s easier on your tummy too (no bloat!).
Other Smoothie Recipes You’ll love
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoothie Bowls
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.
Tropical Papaya Smoothie Bowl (Dairy-Free)
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
- You should be able to use whey protein powder in this papaya smoothie bowl recipe if you need to. However, whey protein doesn’t absorb like vegan protein powder and so it may alter the texture a bit.
- The more ripe your papaya is the sweeter your smoothie bowl.
- Add your almond milk and 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 5 of these smoothie bowl toppings and change your bowl up daily as per your mood!
- 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.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
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!