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This elderberry smoothie recipe harnesses the natural power of black elderberries, which boast nearly double the anthocyanins of other berries. This special type of flavonoid promotes immune support, along with anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits. Blended with antioxidant-rich fruits to further bolster a healthy immune system, this recipe is a true winner.
For several years, my family lacked health insurance, so I took a proactive approach to healthcare. We focused on boosting our immune systems to help us avoid getting sick in the first place. From green smoothies to plant-based meals and natural remedies—we explored every avenue to stay healthy…and it worked. With kids back in school (mine included), restaurants reopening, and new COVID cases still in the headlines, it’s crucial to fortify your body’s natural defenses: the immune system.
One of the key immune-supporting ingredients I added to our smoothies was elderberry syrup. You can use homemade elderberry syrup or purchase at many stores, I used the Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup in this elderberry smoothie recipe.
Elderberry Smoothie Ingredients
- Dragon Fruit: Not only does it add a stunning pink hue, but dragon fruit is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other berries. If you’ve never had a smoothie with dragon fruit, it’s very similar to kiwi both in texture and flavor. A lot of grocery stores now carry frozen puree or cubed dragon fruit.
- Blackberries: These little gems are packed with antioxidants and fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the banana and dragon fruit.
- Banana: The banana adds creaminess and natural sweetness to the smoothie, while also providing potassium, an essential electrolyte.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is a fantastic source of hydration and electrolytes, keeping you refreshed and energized. You can substitute with water or almond milk, if you prefer.
- Elderberry syrup: The star ingredient! Elderberry syrup is known for its immune-boosting properties and adds a delicious, slightly tart berry flavor to the smoothie. You can try my DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe, or save time and purchase from most pharmacies and grocery stores.
Where to Buy Elderberry Syrup
You can find Sambucol Elderberry Syrup at Target, Costco, Amazon, major drug stores. It’s been flying off the shelves since COVID-19 became a pandemic, which is exciting to see more and more people lean towards the natural remedies world.
How to Make an Elderberry Smoothie
This Elderberry Smoothie is a quick, easy, and delicious way to support your immune system and enjoy a healthy treat. I also wanted it to be something that my kids would happily drink. This smoothie does all that in three simple steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a few more frozen berries. If it’s too thick, add a splash more coconut water.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
More Elderberry Recipes
For more immune boosting recipes using elderberry syrup, check out my Elderberry Popsicles, Homemade Elderberry Syrup and my Antioxidant Smoothie Cubes. You might also like Romana’s Elderberry Jam recipe— I plan to make it next time I make a batch of my homemade elderberry syrup.
Don’t forget to rate + review this elderberry smoothie once you make it.
Blackberry Elderberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup dragon fruit frozen
- ½ cup blackberries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 tsp elderberry syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Other berries can be substituted for the blackberries. We recommend those high in antioxidants such as blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries.
- Make sure to use at least 1 frozen fruit for a refreshingly cool smoothie.
- Feel free to add 1 cup leafy greens or 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower to increase the fiber content.
Am I missing something? Maybe it’s my phone screen, but I don’t see any ingredients listed in the recipe…
I’m wondering the same thing! There is currently no ingredients listed in the recipe. Would LOVE it to be provided!
(Trying to kick some lingering congestion/throat grunge from my body. Almost caused my right eye catarct surgery to be postponed due to my suddenly choking on flem in my throat. Luckily, I managed to clear it and the surgery proceeded. BUT, the same surgery for my left eye scheduled for early January and I don’t want any chance of that happening again.)
Hi! The recipe for this one can be found in the video in the blog post. Yet, here’s the ingredients list as well: 1 banana, 1/2 cup frozen blackberries, 1/2 cup frozen dragon fruit, 1 cup coconut water and 2 tsp black elderberry syrup. Put in the blender and blend until smooth!
Hi Kay! Thanks for pointing that out, it looks like the formatting is off for this one.
This was refreshing and smooth, helped me get thru a cold spell everyone around me had.
Ha! It was easier finding dragon fruit than it was trying to find blackberries!
That’s crazy!! Yet, after a recent trip to our store, totally see that making sense. Be sure to check the frozen food section for anything hard to find fresh.
I made my own elderberry syrup and made the smoothie.
Excellent taste
Judith – you put the rawk in rawkstar!! So glad you loved the smoothie! 🙂
Sounds really good. I’d like to try it. I am going to double the recipe for my wife as well for myself.
Awesome, David! I think you’ll both love it!
I took a week off from work and in that week I heard that another coworker’s family member was sick with COVID. I work in a hospital. So going back I felt like I needed to give myself an immune boost. I remembered an email that had this recipe and was So excited to try it. I really really like it! Got all my littles to try it and it’s kid approved too! I’m going to add this to my Breakfast smoothie rotation a 2-3 times a week. Thanks Jen for making this former picky eater try new things!
I love hearing that you’re a former picky eater, Christine! So glad you and your family loved this recipe. Stay healthy!! 🙂
Today i used blueberries&yesterday i used cranberries.i also used low fat coconut milk.i have covid so immune boosting foods are a great help.i feel so much better using immune support supplements.i avoided the hospital .im also taking zinc,vitamin c &,extra vit.d.
Get well soon, Mary!
Immune boosting smoothies are imperative during this COVID19 era. Especially those of us with risk factors. THANKS for the recipe!
You’re very welcome, Betsy! 🙂
Sounds yummy although dragon fruit is hard to get hold of in the UK. What could I substitute it with? I don’t think I’ve actually ever tried it so have no idea what it tastes like and what would be a good replacement to achieve similar flavour.
Hi Beata! Good question! Kiwi is very similar in both taste + texture to dragon fruit. Hopefully you have an easier time finding kiwifruit at your local market. 🙂
Love this smoothie! With my kids going back to school and with the pandemic, I thought it would be good to boost my immunity. I was pleasantly surprised that it tastes really good.
Awesome, Tricia! 🙂
This looks awesome! Gotta get some dragonfruit. I buy elderberry syrup from a local shop.
I get mine from a local shop, also. 🙂 This is a great smoothie, after you make it come back and let us know what you think!
Delicious and good for you at the same time. What better way to improve your overall health and reinforce your immune system at the same time. I can tell the difference when I take the Elderberry because I don’t feel rundown.
That’s great, Judith! 🙂
Love this! Thanks so much for sharing. My sister has raved about elderberry syrup for YEARS now and I’ve been looking for a fun way to incorporate it into my diet.
You definitely need to try this recipe, then! It’s a delicious and colorful way to incorporate elderberry syrup into your diet! 🙂
I was diagnosed with an autoimmune 6 years ago and it’s a struggle to keep my immune system up. I’m always working on boosting my immune system so that the systems of my condition don’t return.
I’m sorry to hear this, Tiffany. This recipe is a great one to have in your arsenal to help you support your immune system and keep it strong. 🙂