Pin It The morning I first made this smoothie bowl was pure chaos in the best way possible. I was trying to meal prep for the week while simultaneously entertaining my three year old niece who was obsessed with mermaids. She pointed at the spirulina jar and declared it mermaid dust and honestly, she was not wrong. Now every time I make these bowls, I think of her tiny hands helping me arrange the fruit and the way her eyes lit up when we made something that looked like it belonged under the sea.
Last summer my friend came over for breakfast after a morning workout and stared at her bowl like I had served her something from a fancy cafe. She took a photo before even taking a bite and now she makes these every Sunday as her self care ritual. There is something deeply satisfying about eating something that looks this magical first thing in the morning.
Ingredients
- Frozen banana: This creates that creamy ice cream texture without any dairy and adds natural sweetness
- Frozen pineapple and mango: Tropical fruits give you that vibrant color and make the base thick enough to support toppings
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps things light while helping everything blend smoothly
- Chia seeds: These tiny seeds swell up and keep you full while adding a nice texture
- Plant-based vanilla protein powder: Totally optional but I love how it makes this a complete meal
- Spirulina powder: This is where the magic happens, giving you that gorgeous mermaid blue green color
- Blue spirulina: If you can find it, this kicks the color into that dreamy turquoise range
- Kiwi, blueberries, and dragon fruit: These create your ocean inspired color palette on top
- Coconut flakes and hemp seeds: These add crunch and healthy fats that make the bowl feel substantial
Instructions
- Blend your base:
- Throw everything into a high-speed blender and let it run until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. The mixture should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright but still pourable.
- Pour and smooth:
- Divide between two bowls and use the back of a spoon to create a perfectly smooth surface. Think of it as your canvas for the toppings.
- Arrange your toppings:
- Have fun with this and create whatever pattern calls to you, I like spirals of kiwi and dots of dragon fruit. The key is placing everything where you can see the colors against the blue base.
Pin It My roommate walked in while I was photographing this bowl and asked if I had started working at a smoothie shop. She still texts me photos of her own versions whenever she tries new fruit combinations. These bowls have become our language for saying I had a hard week and I need something pretty to eat.
Making It Your Own
Once you get the basic ratio down, this is infinitely adaptable based on what you have in your freezer. I have made versions with berries that turn purple instead of blue and they are just as stunning. The key is keeping your frozen fruit to liquid ratio consistent so you get that perfect thick texture.
Fruit Selection Tips
Dragon fruit can be pricey and sometimes hard to find, so do not stress if you need to substitute. Raspberries or sliced strawberries work beautifully for that pop of color. The goal is having at least three different colors in your toppings so the bowl feels vibrant and exciting to eat.
Storage And Timing
I learned the hard way that you cannot meal prep these bowls in advance. The texture changes completely and toppings get soggy within hours. What you can do is portion out your frozen fruit into bags the night before so morning prep is literally dump and blend.
- Pre measure your spirulina into a small container so you do not have to deal with the green powder mess when you are half awake
- Keep your serving bowls in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring, this helps the bowl stay cold longer
- Have your toppings arranged on a plate before you start blending so everything is ready to go
Pin It There is something genuinely joyful about starting your day with food that looks this magical. Even on rushed mornings, taking ten minutes to make something beautiful feels like a small act of kindness to yourself.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives this bowl its mermaid-blue color?
Spirulina powder creates the stunning ocean-blue hue. This blue-green algae is packed with antioxidants, B vitamins, and iron. For extra vibrancy, blue spirulina can be added to deepen the color without changing the flavor profile.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
The smoothie base can be prepared the night before and stored in the freezer. Thaw slightly before serving, then add fresh toppings. This makes busy mornings effortless while maintaining the thick, creamy texture.
- → Is this suitable for weight loss?
At 210 calories per serving with 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat, this nutrient-dense bowl supports weight management goals. The fiber from chia seeds and fruit promotes satiety, while plant-based protein helps maintain muscle during slimming.
- → What can I substitute for spirulina?
Matcha powder creates a green version, while butterfly pea flower extract yields a deep blue. For a purple twist, add a handful of frozen berries. Each alternative brings unique antioxidants while maintaining the whimsical aesthetic.
- → How do I achieve the perfect consistency?
Use primarily frozen fruit rather than fresh to create the thick, ice-cream-like texture. Start with less liquid, adding only as needed while blending. The mixture should be thicker than a drinkable smoothie—spoonable, not pourable.
- → Can I add extra protein?
Increase plant-based protein powder to two servings, stir in Greek yogurt if not dairy-free, or add extra hemp hearts and chia seeds. Nut butters also boost protein while contributing healthy fats for sustained energy.