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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.
I have not tried the immune boosting smoothie yet because I currently do not have all the ingredients on hand, but I was so excited to see your recipe and am looking forward to making it especially during this time of COVID and the upcoming flu season. Our families’ immune systems can only benefit from a boost so I rated your recipe with 5 stars because I like all the ingredients especially the elderberry which I would otherwise not have considered adding to a smoothie. The first elderberry I tried was the Sambucol brand many years ago and I liked it a lot, but there are so many on the market now that I lost track of the Sambucol brand but I am back on track with it so thank you for that as well as the immune boosting smoothie.
You’re welcome, Betty! I think you and your family are really going to like this smoothie. 🙂
Can dragon fruit be swapped for another fruit in case I don’t find it?
Yes! You can use kiwifruit if you are having trouble finding dragon fruit.
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease when I was 19 and it was treated with radiation. It recurred when I was 21 and I had to go through chemo. When I was 35 I developed a thyroid condition and two years ago had to have it removed. When I was 42 I developed Breast Cancer and had a double mastectomy. After all I have gone through I do not want to die of COVID.
You are one tough cookie, Carole! Keep supporting your health and immune system and stay strong! Sending lots of good health and wellness vibes your way. 🙂
I am doing everything I can to stay healthy as long as I can. PLUS, my daughter has a HUGE elderberry tree in her back yard and we are really interested in learning how to process this bounty! Keep up the good work!
We have a great article on how to make your own elderberry syrup! You can find it right here: https://simplegreensmoothies.com/elderberry-syrup.
Def make sure you look into the proper way to prepare elderberries before you make the syrup. They are poisonous if consumed raw.
This is an absolutely fabulous smoothie idea! I love the ingredients and I love to give my immune system a boost so that I can continue teaching and also continue being a blessing to my family (and help them to boost *their* immune systems!) I am the morning smoothie maker for our family, and this one will definitely be on our menu!! Thank you, Jen, for the great idea!! : – )
That’s great you make sure smoothies are a family affair! 🙂
As one of the demographic categories considered “at risk” in the age of Covid-19, any additional help in boosting my immune system is valued. If it’s as easy as putting black elderberry syrup in the green smoothies I make every morning anyhow, that’s a win-win.
It is definitely a win-win, Steven! 🙂
That smoothie looks so tasty! I can’t wait to try it! With 3 young kids, it’s important for us to boost our immune systems, especially as the weather gets colder!
Very true, Jenene!
I am 5 months post (6 months) of chemo for colon cancer….anything I can do to boost my immune system is very important to me!
I gave the recipe a 5, because I am 100% sure it is a winner…..you created it!! 🙂
It’s super delicious, Kathy!
I have Lyme disease so I try to boost my immune system in every way possible. This would be a great addition. Thanks for what you do!
Very important to keep a strong immune system when you have something like Lyme disease, Nan! So sorry to hear this but it sounds like you are doing all you can to stay healthy!
As if we aren’t compromised enough already, just breathing here in central California is dangerous! Ash rain and orange skies this morning. My son and I love smoothies and the syrup would be a great way to add a boost to his diet in a way he will enjoy.
So sorry to hear you are near the devastating fires in California, Cindy. Count your blessings that you still have your house! This smoothie is definitely kid approved, I bet your son will love it!
Smoothies are such a quick, fulfilling meal that can pack a lot of punch! Currently taking elderberry gummies to boost my immune and I would love to add the elderberry syrup to my bag of tricks for my hot green tea. Now that school has started back, I must keep my system up and running as an educator!
Both the gummies and the syrup are great ways to support our immune systems, especially these days!
I absolutely love all of your recipes and look forward to trying a new one each day. I would love to get some elderberry syrup to try some of the immune boosting recipes especially with the state of the world right now!! My mom and sister would benefit so much from them!
So glad you love all our recipes! I think you’ll love this one, too!
Can’t wait to try the recipe! Need to start elderberry syrup because we just don’t have time to be sick!
I hear ya, Hannah!
Ooooh I would love to try this recipe!! I absolutely love all of your other smoothies so I can just imagine how delicious this one would taste! I did some research on Elderberry syrup and it has an extremely high level of antioxidants and greatly supports your immunity!! It also states that it can help to tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart! I am all for that!! This is perfect with COVID and with the Winter season ahead of us!
Currently, I am on your Fresh Start Autumn 21 days cleanse and I am loving all of your recipes! This would be another recipe that I could add to my weekly routines! 🙂
Isn’t elderberry awesome?! So many wonderful benefits!
The cold season is coming up and I want to be prepared and boost my immune system to stay healthy and not catch a cold.
We love being prepared instead of having to react *after* getting sick. Preventative care is awesome!
I’m trying to keep our family healthy and trying desperately to avoid taking the kiddos to the doctors. Doctor appointments are so costly so I’m now looking at ways to keep our family’s immune system strong and healthy to avoid any additional expenses.
Thank you for all that you do and for your wonderful recipes.
Keeping those immune systems strong is one great way to make sure you’ve got healthy kiddos and avoid extra doctor appointments!