Beat the Heat with This Tropical Strawberry Papaya Smoothie Bowl!

Living in Texas, where summer seems to stretch on forever, I’m all about quick, no-cook meals that keep me cool and energized. Smoothies and smoothie bowls have been my go-to for years—especially when I was blending one every morning! Since my first pregnancy and nursing, I’ve leaned into heartier breakfasts like oatmeal bowls or egg scrambles, but this summer, I’m bringing back the smoothie bowl in a big way. This Tropical Strawberry Papaya Smoothie Bowl is vibrant, filling, and packed with flavor—perfect for those scorching days when you need something refreshing but substantial.

The best part? This recipe is super easy to whip up in a Ninja Creami or high-powered blender like a Vitamix, and you don’t need to plan ahead by freezing anything overnight like a typical Ninja Creami recipe. Using frozen fruit and a splash of milk, you’re good to go in minutes. It’s endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings, making it a fun and flexible summer staple. Let’s dive into the recipe!

This smoothie bowl is a powerhouse, with 36 grams of protein to keep you full and 8 grams of fiber to support digestion. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy—ideal for a hot Texas morning or a post-workout refuel.

Tropical Strawberry Papaya Smoothie Bowl

This tropical smoothie bowl is a powerhouse, with 36 grams of protein to keep you full and 8 grams of fiber to support digestion. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy—ideal for a hot Texas morning or a post-workout refuel.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, lunch, Snack

Cuisine American, Gluten-free, High Protein, No Bake, plant-based

Servings 1

Calories 377 kcal

Equipment

• Ninja Creami or high-powered blender (like a Vitamix)

Ingredients

  

For smoothie base

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder I use True Nutrition’s custom vanilla pea and brown rice blend
• 2 tsp dragonfruit powder optional for a vibrant pink hue, or sub 1/4 cup frozen dragon fruit or 1 tsp beet powder
• 1/2 cup milk I used Fairlife nonfat milk, but sub almond or coconut milk for plant-based
• Small handful frozen raspberries ~1/4 cup, just a few berries for a flavor pop
• 1 1/2 cups tropical frozen fruit mix I used HEB's strawberriespapaya, and mango

Toppings

• 6-7 Fresh berries
• 1/4 cup Fresh banana slices
• 1 tsp Hemp seeds
• 1 tsp Pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsp Freeze-dried figs Trader Joe’s for that perfect crunch
• Drizzle of plain yogurt

More Topping Ideas

• Granola, cereal, nuts, nut butter, shredded coconut, chocolate chips

Instructions

 

• Add the protein powder, dragonfruit powder (if using), milk, frozen raspberries, and HEB frozen fruit mix to your Ninja Creami or high-powered blender.
• If using a Ninja Creami, no need to freeze the mixture overnight—thanks to the frozen fruit, it’s ready to go! I used the Light Ice Cream setting for a creamy texture, but I’ll try the Smoothie function next time for comparison.
• If using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, blend until smooth and thick. You may need a splash more milk (up to 1/4 cup extra) if the blades get stuck—use the tamper to help blend and mix for the perfect consistency.
• Pour into a bowl and get creative with your toppings! I love piling on fresh berries, banana slices, hemp and pumpkin seeds, freeze-dried figs, and a drizzle of yogurt for a refreshing finish.
• Dig in and enjoy the tropical vibes!

Notes

Make it your own! You could use vanilla or unsweetened whey if preferred, I used a make-your-own-blend from True Nutrition; a vanilla pea protein and brown rice isolate vegan protein powder that is simple and sweetened with monk fruit. 

No Dragonfruit or beet powder? This add a little bit of taste but is mainly added for the pink color pop, feel free to leave it out or use 1/4 cup fresh dragon fruit or a few tbsp of cooked unflavored beets for that pretty pink hue

Nutritional Info (**Approximate based on smoothie base, 1 tsp each hemp and pumpkin seeds, a handful of fresh berries, 1/4 medium banana, 2 tbsp crushed freeze dried figs and 1 tbsp unsweetened yogurt)

Calories: 377
Total Fat: 4g (6% DV)
Potassium**: 247mg (7% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 51g (17% DV)
Dietary Fiber**: 8g (33% DV)
Sugars**: 38g (all fruit)
Protein**: 36g

Keyword Kid-Friendly, Quick and Easy, Vegan

Why I Love This Smoothie Bowl

This recipe is a nostalgic nod to my daily smoothie routine, but it’s leveled up with tropical flavors and a creamy texture that feels like a treat. The HEB frozen fruit mix makes it budget-friendly and convenient, while the protein powder ensures it’s filling enough to replace those heavier breakfasts I’ve been craving. The fact that I don’t need to freeze anything overnight with the Ninja Creami makes it a game-changer for spontaneous meals. Plus, the toppings add a fun, customizable crunch that makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re using a Ninja Creami or a Vitamix, this smoothie bowl is sure to become a summer staple.

So, grab your blender, crank up the AC, and let’s make this Tropical Strawberry Papaya Smoothie Bowl to beat the summer heat. Share your creations with me on social media—I can’t wait to see how you top yours!