If you’re interested in tropical fruits, you’ve probably come across dragon fruits at your local market at some point. They’re usually bright pink or red, with vibrant green scales poking out of the body. But despite their scary appearance, they are not spiky to handle and are mild and sweet in flavor rather than fiery. Here’s my selection of some of my favorite dragon fruit recipes to get you started out.
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit is also known as pitaya. It’s a fruit from a cactus plant, but unlike its cousin the prickly pear, it doesn’t have spines. The spiky-looking green parts which make it resemble a dragon (and give it its name) are not prickly at all. Dragon fruit skin can be red, pink, or yellow, but the varieties most commonly seen in American grocery stores are usually vibrant pink with green scales.
The flesh inside is occasionally pale yellow or pink, but more usually white and flecked with tiny black seeds. All parts of the flesh are edible and it has no stone or pit to remove before eating. The skin is quite tough and is usually discarded, although there are a couple of recipes below that use it for the bright color. I wrote a guide a while back on how to prepare dragon fruit, so you can check it out here before you get started.
How does Dragon Fruit taste?
Dragon fruit has a mild, sweet flavor that is often compared to pears or kiwis and sometimes to melon. It is very juicy and refreshing, with a firm texture. It’s also a good source of multiple vitamins and antioxidants, fiber, and minerals including iron, magnesium, and potassium. It is mostly consumed raw and can be added to smoothies, salads or desserts. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite dragon fruit recipes.
1. Dragon Fruit Salad with Tajín and Lime
This refreshing recipe pairs oranges and dragon fruit with tajín, a chili and lime seasoning that brightens up any fruit salad and makes it more interesting. If you like pineapple with chili powder, you’ll love this.
Recipe by: Beyond Mere Sustenance
2. Tropical Rice Pudding with Dragon Fruit
Rice pudding made with coconut milk and topped with dragon fruit, this recipe is vegan and gluten free, as well as being absolutely delicious. An interesting twist on the classic Indian rice pudding with saffron.
Recipe by: Passionate About Baking
3. Dragon Fruit Skin Jelly
A great recipe for vegan jelly, using agar agar instead of gelatin. I love the way the recipe uses the dragon skin as well for its vibrant pink color, making the jelly pretty as well as delicious.
Recipe by: Plant You
4. Dragon Fruit Sorbet
Another recipe using the skin to add color, which then goes on to serve the dragon fruit sorbet in boats made from the remaining scooped out skins. Really good fun for a kids party.
Recipe by: Simply Made Recipes
5. Dragon Fruit Smoothie
Blending vanilla yogurt into the dragon fruit makes this gorgeously hued smoothie rich as well as delicious. Lime freshens it all up for a satisfying and refreshing summer drink.
Recipe by: 30 Minutes Meals
6. Dragon Fruit Salad
Super simple, super good – this fruit salad mixes dragon fruit with lettuce, honey and another fruit of your choice for a light and delicious appetizer or palate cleanser between courses.
Recipe by: White on Rice Couple
7. Dragon Fried Rice
I was skeptical when I read about it, but WOW! The dragon fruit lends the perfect hint of sweetness – and of course its beautiful color – to this fried rice with cashews.
Recipe by: Woon Heng
8. Seared Tuna with Dragon Fruit Salsa
All the shades of pink here in this savory fish dish matching seared tuna steaks with a zingy dragon fruit salsa. Fresh chilis complete the picture.
Recipe by: Beyond Mere Sustenance
9. Dragon Fruit Salad with Prawns
Oh yum! You know I love shrimp, and this recipe is the perfect blend for me, mixing sweet, savoury and sour flavors to perfection with the cooked shrimp on top.
Recipe by: Chang’s
10. Dragon Fruit Jam
I love the dramatic color and contrast of this dragon fruit jam, with the black seeds dispersed throughout the vibrant pink sweet jelly. Guaranteed to cheer up any breakfast table.
Recipe by: Hezzi D’s
11. Sweet and Sour Chicken with Dragon Fruit
Gorgeous Chinese-inspired salad pairing classic Chinese fried chicken with the dragon fruit, green bell peppers and an addictive tangy sauce. Very simple, very good.
Recipe by: The Wordrobe
12. Dragon Fruit with Sesame Plum Dressing
Another shrimp recipe, and this one is really fresh and delicious, using plum sauce in the dressing and scattering the whole thing with sesame seeds.
Recipe by: What to Cook Today
13. Pink Dragon Fruit Layer Cake
Oh-so-beautiful dragon fruit cake by Rainbow Nourishments, who cooks vibrant vegan recipes. Squishy and satisfying and gorgeously decorated.
Recipe by: Rainbow Nourishments
14. Dragon Fruit Chia Breakfast Pudding
I do enjoy fruit for breakfast sometimes, and especially make-ahead recipes like this breakfast pudding. The chia seeds add plenty of protein to make it extra filling.
Recipe by: Savory Spin
Conclusion
Now you know how to prepare them and some ideas, pick up some dragon fruit the next time you see them in the market. They really are one of the most refreshing summer fruits, being juicy and sweet at the same time, Try out one of the dishes above or let me know your favorite dragon fruit recipes in the comments
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