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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 make elderberry syrup at home or purchase at many stores, I used the Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup in this elderberry smoothie recipe.
Table of Contents
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. For an extra thick and frosty texture, you can freeze bananas before blending.
- 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 (you can check out my list of top almond milk brands).
- Elderberry syrup: If you’re wondering what is elderberry, they are the berries and its syrup is known for its immune-boosting properties. It adds a delicious, slightly tart berry flavor to the smoothie.
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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. Using quality smoothie blenders helps ensure everything gets smooth and creamy without any chunks.
- 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!
For extra tips on creating the perfect smoothie, check out my guide on how to make a smoothie.
More Elderberry Recipes
For more immune boosting fruit smoothies using elderberry syrup, you can check out my favorites:
If you make this blackberry smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Blackberry Elderberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup dragon fruit frozen
- ½ cup blackberries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 teaspoon elderberry syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
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Helpful Tools
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. These frozen fruits also work perfectly for frozen meal prep smoothie packs if you like prepping ahead.
- Feel free to add 1 cup leafy green vegetables or 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower to increase the fiber content.
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. 🙂
So yummy!! Nice to know that it’s good for me too!!
Delicious, immunity-boosting, and such a pretty color! What a trifecta. 😀
Thank you for this recipe. During this age where we need to be intentional about boosting our immune system, it is nice to have additional recipes in our arsenal!
You’re welcome, Delores! This is def a great recipe to have in your stockpile of immunity-boosting items!
I live in Oakland, Ca and we’ve had ash falling from the sky for two days due to smoke from all the raging fires. That, paired with increased stress due to these crazy times, necessitates extra measures to boost our immune systems.
Hey Beth, I’m sorry to hear you are in the range of the fires, smoke, and ash. Your comment couldn’t be more true; we all need strong immune systems now more than ever. Stay safe!
Hello, I love your challenges and I love and have your Simple Green Smoothies and Simple Green meals book. And I just recently purchased the Simple Green protein powder. Being able to incorporate the elderberry in the smoothies would be an added bonus to help keep my immune system up, especially now that I have a new granddaughter around. I have to deal with an autoimmune disorder, so I could use the added immune boost.
Thank you for all the SGS love, Shelia! Elderberry syrup + this awesome smoothie are both great ways to strengthen and support your immune system, especially since you want to stay healthy for your new grandbaby! 🙂
With all this nonsense going on now with COVID, we can use all the elderberry help we can get!
Sooo true, Arlene!
I truly can use all the support I can get. With a puny immune system ( the doctor said I don’t have enough soldiers and those I have are doing a lousy job) coupled with arthritis and chronic lymphatic leukemia, my immune system is challenged every day. Throw in COVID and the state of our nation to the mix, I would appreciate any help. Thank you and stay safe.
This smoothie will help support those soldiers so they can work harder and do a better job! Take care of yourself and stay healthy, Donna!
I’ve heard such amazing things about it. And your post helps me understand better the benefits. I’ve never tried it but sure would love to. I’m almost 68 and really trying to get more healthy. Thank you for sharing all you do! It’s wonderful to have access to this information.
So glad we could help you learn more about the amazing benefits of elderberries!
Love your recipes Jen! I am a young/old lady on Medicare… Trying to do all I can to stay healthy. My daughter is a PA and works in our hospital ER… We are both trying to boost our immunity now more than ever. Your delicious easy recipes make this fun and easier to accomplish!! Keep this deliciousness coming!! Stay well honey !
So glad our recipes are helping you and your daughter keep your immune systems strong, Christine! Stay healthy! 🙂
I’m caring for grandchildren who are in the public school system and would love an extra immune boost for all of us. Thanks for how you love and support this group!
Elderberry syrup + this smoothie would def provide a great extra boost for all the kids going back to in-person school!
I’m a teacher working with lots of students in vulnerable communities. Keeping my immune system up makes a huge difference in my ability to serve my community!
Sure does, Adele. Stay healthy! 🙂
I’ve heard great things about Elderberry syrup, but have never tried it. This needs to go on my stay healthy list.
It sure does, Cheryl! 🙂
I want to boost my immune system because I am pregnant with twins! I am also breastfeeding my other child right now. With Covid19 going on, I have to be really careful to not get sick and to keep taking care of myself to stay healthy. I love smoothies every morning and having this elderberry immune booster would be amazing!
This smoothie is a great way to keep your immune system strong!