Dragon Fruit Lemonade with Chia (Printable Version)

Vibrant dragon fruit and lemon drink with chia seeds — hydrating, subtly sweet, best served chilled.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruits & Juices

01 - 1 medium ripe dragon fruit (pitaya), peeled and diced
02 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
03 - 1/4 cup honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
04 - 3 cups cold water

→ Seeds

05 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds

→ Garnishes (optional)

06 - Lemon slices
07 - Fresh mint leaves
08 - Ice cubes

# How to Make It:

01 - In a blender, combine the dragon fruit, lemon juice, sweetener, and 2 cups of cold water. Blend until smooth.
02 - Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove pulp, if desired.
03 - Add the remaining 1 cup of water and stir well.
04 - Stir in the chia seeds. Let the lemonade rest for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the chia seeds can absorb liquid and swell.
05 - Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
06 - Serve chilled over ice, garnished with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The jewel-pink color alone will make your friends ask for seconds before they've even had the first sip.
  • Chia seeds not only make this ultra-hydrating, but they turn every glass into a tiny, refreshing snack.
02 -
  • Once, I dumped the chia seeds in and forgot to stir—they formed a stubborn clump at the bottom until I whisked like mad.
  • Letting the chia sit for at least ten minutes transforms their bite from crunchy to delightfully pudding-like.
03 -
  • Strain the blended fruit slowly for best yield and vivid color without haze.
  • A little extra lemon juice revives the drink if it sits overnight in the fridge.
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