Dragonfruit Coconut Vanilla Chia Bowl (Printable Version)
Creamy coconut chia with dragonfruit puree, banana and vanilla, topped with toasted coconut, almonds and berries.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chia Pudding
01 - 1/4 cup chia seeds
02 - 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (carton or canned)
03 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or agave syrup)
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Dragonfruit Puree
05 - 1 ripe pink dragonfruit (pitaya), peeled and chopped
06 - 1 small ripe banana, sliced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
→ Toppings
08 - 1/2 cup fresh dragonfruit balls or cubes
09 - 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
10 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds or gluten-free granola
11 - Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries), as desired
12 - Edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for garnish
# How To Make:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes, then whisk again vigorously to break up any clumps. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
02 - Add the chopped dragonfruit, sliced banana, and lime juice to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and vibrant pink. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
03 - Remove the set chia pudding from the refrigerator and stir well. Divide the pudding evenly between two serving bowls, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
04 - Spoon the dragonfruit puree over each bowl of chia pudding. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the puree into the pudding, creating a marbled effect.
05 - Arrange fresh dragonfruit cubes, toasted coconut flakes, sliced almonds or granola, and fresh berries over each bowl. Garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The color alone will wake you up faster than coffee, and the creamy coconut chia base balances the fruity sweetness perfectly.
- It requires zero cooking and almost zero skill, yet looks like something from a trendy cafe.
02 -
- If you skip the second whisk after five minutes, the chia seeds will clump into rubbery little boulders that never fully hydrate.
- The pudding thickens dramatically in the fridge, so if it looks too loose right away, trust the process and walk away.
03 -
- Layer the puree under the chia pudding instead of on top for a surprise color reveal when someone digs in.
- A scoop of plant based protein powder blended into the chia mixture turns this from a light breakfast into something that actually sustains you until lunch.