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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.
Love adding boosts to our families smoothies. Anything I can do to provide them with a healthy choice. The girls love the color…
Way to take good care of your family, Erin! And I agree on the color, it’s so pretty! 😀
I really think elderberry & zinc have helped me stay healthy this year, and I’m excited to hear about black elderberry syrup! And to be able to incorporate it into a smoothie sounds like a perfect way to keep my immune system healthy while enjoying a smoothie. And with the cold/flu season about to start up, any added boost of immunity is a VERY good thing.
Always good to be prepared for the upcoming cold/flu season, especially this year!!
Def want to try this out especially with my compromised immune system. So glad there’s no grapefruit or pomegranate as transplant patients can’t have those ingredients!!!
You should definitely try it, Chastiry, I think it could really help! And even if it had ingredients on your ‘can’t eat’ list, you could always swap them out for items that fit into your personal dietary guidelines. 🙂
I would love to try the black elderberry syrup! I have been working to boost my immune system and I think this would be a delicious way to give it a big boost.
It is, Beth!
This looks excellent and i would love this to boost my immune system especially since i have three auto-immune diseases and it is not safe for me to get sick
It is a great addition to a strong wellness regimen! 🙂
Elderberry syrup is such a tried and true, downhome, easy way to boost immunity. I’ve recently gone back to work as a teacher and until I saw your post, realized I forgot to make my own!
It really is such a great immunity booster, Rachael! Thank you for all you do as a teacher. Stay healthy!!
This sounds like the perfect smoothie for back to school and work time! Quick question- I’ve never used dragon fruit, is there any tricks for peeling and cutting? Thank you!
You can cut the peel off like you would an orange, there are some great videos online that show you (just search ‘how to peel a dragon fruit’). If you want a quicker way, many grocery stores carry frozen dragon fruit that’s already been peeled and cubed. Happy blending! 🙂
With everything going on with viruses and cancers and the cold/flu season around the corner, who can’t benefit from the extra boost of Sambucol Black Elderberry syrup!! Great healthy addition to any smoothie!! ❤️
Sooooo true!!
Wow this looks amazing, I’d love to get some elderberry syrup to boost not only my immune system but my families too, especially my dad, he turns 86 next week and he’s a rock in my life. Can’t wait to try it, especially with locally sourced dragon fruit which is plentiful here in Miami FL.
I love having access to so much fresh, local fruit when I visit Florida! And happy early birthday to your dad! 😀
I love to put immune boosting ingredients in my daily smoothies. Last year I even ordered some dried elderberries and made my own syrup. It was really easy peasy.
Love that you made your own syrup!
I’ve been looking into the all natural route for awhile now and I think there’s something to this elderberry. Excited to try the recipe and the brand you recommended. Hope it helps us all stay strong and safe during these times. Thanks so much.
I agree, Sarah! Elderberry is good stuff. After you try the smoothie, come back and let us know what you thought! 🙂
How often would you drink this smoothie to get the benefits – daily or is that too much?
Laura, I think you could drink it daily if you like.
How could you not try this smoothie with that color!! I can’t wait to use some of the homemade elderberry syrup we made from an SGS recipe.
Agreed! The color is like a neon purple, I love it! And a great way to use your homemade elderberry syrup. 😀
Can you add spinach or some kind of greens?
You definitely can, Lisa! I think spinach would work great and wouldn’t take away from the taste of the dragon fruit and blackberries. 🙂
Perfect smoothie for back to school immunity boosting!
Exactly, Kat! We all need all the immunity-boosting help we can get right now and this smoothie is perfect for that! 🙂
My mom made her own elderberry syrup and we’ve been using that. Is there added benefit to Sambucol’s
Hey Olivia! No, there is no added benefit (except for convenience). I think a lot of people prefer homemade to store bought and that’s great you have some of your own!