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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.
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.
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!
OMG!!! Tastes great. I started using the syrup at the start of Covid-19 and I didn’t get it. Nice to have an immune boosting smoothie that tastes great. Thanks
It’s so delicious, isn’t it?! 😀
I’m glad Chris did. She goes rapidly into pneumonia. This time didn’t. From a thankful husband. Gus
That’s great, Gus. I’m really glad the elderberry syrup made such a difference for Chris! 🙂
I am an elderberry convert. Each year I have bronchitis and if I don’t get an antibiotic it goes quickly to pneumonia. Last year as I felt the tingling in my throat and then the soreness starting I chose to try an elderberry drink before going for an antibotic. For me, my throat was soothed and the bronchitis didn’t progress. I’m so thrilled with this that I’m planting an elderberry bush in my garden!
Love to hear this, Chris!!
I became a black elderberry believer this past winter. After trying all kinds of over the counter medicines to relieve cough and overall sickness to no avail, my daughter-in-law brought me a bottle of black elderberry syrup. 1 day later, cough was gone and by day 3 I considered myself A-OK.
That’s awesome, Sandy!