Fiji will forever hold a piece of my heart. During my study abroad program, I booked a spontaneous solo trip there for a week — just me, my backpack, and a sense of adventure. I spent my days island hopping through the breathtaking Yasawa Islands, swimming in the clearest, bluest water I’ve ever seen. The kind of blue that doesn’t look real, even when you’re standing in it. It was peaceful, awe-inspiring, and exactly the escape I didn’t know I needed.
This ocean blue smoothie bowl served in a papaya half is inspired by that trip and one unforgettable moment in particular. After dinner one night on one of the islands, the hosts brought out the most simple yet magical dessert — a scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled in a ripe papaya half. It was sweet, refreshing, and so uniquely Fiji. I’ve carried that memory with me ever since, and this smoothie bowl is my tropical tribute.
The blue base gets its vibrant color from blue spirulina, giving it that ocean-like hue, while the papaya half serves as a natural, edible bowl — just like I had in Fiji. It’s light, nourishing, and bursting with tropical flavor. Every bite feels like a mini vacation. Enjoy!

Ocean Blue Papaya Boat Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1/2 papaya (seeded)
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1/4 frozen pineapple
- 1/2 tsp blue spirulina
Toppings:
- Golden berries
- Pomegranate perils
Directions:
- Cut a papaya in half and remove the seeds. This will be our bowl!
- Blend the rest of the ingredients together in a high speed blender until smooth.
- Transfer into your papaya boat and swirl.
- Top with golden berries, pomegranate perils or your favorite ingredients.
- Enjoy!
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