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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 (check out my list of top almond milk brands).
- Elderberry syrup: If you’re wondering…what is elderberry good for? 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 elderberry 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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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.
We love elderberry syrup during winter, especially to guard ourselves from colds!
It’s a great preventative during cold and flu season!
Looks great!! I would love to give this a try to set an example for my mother, extended family & friends on eating healthy and caring about our immune systems. I have many family and friends that are fighting various diseases (diabetes, cancer and heart problems, obesity)
Def important to set a good example, Stephanie!
This looks like an awesome recipe. I have been drinking elderberry tea and will sometimes take an elderberry supplement for an immune boost. I am a cancer survivor, so boosting my immune system nutritionally has been a top priority!
Sounds like you are already well aware of all the awesome benefits of elderberry, Cynthia!
Thanks for always sharing great recipes. I want to give my immune system a boost because I’ve started teaching and I teach Pre-K students a total of 15 little ones face-to-face. With COVID-19 going on, my immune system definitely needs a BIG boost especially with being in a classroom teaching three and four year old’s.
Stay healthy, Serena!
I adore all your recipes and the colorful photos. I work as a speech language pathologist, also in a somewhat high risk range for the virus not only because of my age but also because of underlying health issues. I live by myself with no family near by. To be able to continue to support myself, protect my colleagues and students, continue to be able to work and serve the kids is of prime importance Hence my immune system needs to be in a healthy state.
This smoothie is a great way to help keep your immune system strong!
I am always interested in boosting my families and my immune system in a healthy, natural way. Since everyone loves smoothies at the house I am really looking forward to trying out this recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Come back and let us know what everyone thought after you give this smoothie a try!
Our daughter Stephanie Malmstrom has used elderberry concoction in the winter time for years. Her family swears by it. With Covid 19 swarming all around us, perhaps it’s time her mom gets with it. Thank you!
Sounds like Steph is way ahead of the game!
Hi! I absolutely love black elderberry syrup I remember when I was younger my mom would have us take it regularly especially when we were sick! It’s something I like to splurge on every once in a while! I’m a CNA as well as a nursing student who is constantly around high risk people. I want to keep my immune system up to protect others and so I can continue caring for patients! Thank you for all you do! Love your recipes!
The syrup and this smoothie are great ways to keep your immune system strong! So glad you are loving our recipes! 🙂
So needed at my house – 4 sports playing kids – need more be said?
Sounds like my house growing up. Never a dull moment!!
As a nurse, I’m doing EVERYTHING I can to stay well and this could certainly be just what the doctor ordered!!! Pardon the pun 🙂
Keep up the great work, Rebecca, and stay healthy!!
I LOVE all the green smoothie recipes she sends out, but when I was reading about this one I immediately knew it would smart to try this one out! I have heard all of the immune benefits of elderberry and have been wanting to try it out for a while now, but did not know of ways to do so through food.
This recipe will help give my immune system a boost and I want to do everything I can right now to stay healthy and ready for anything that comes my way. Having that extra immune support will help create a safety barrier to stop invaders from entering the body or be better equipped for fighting them off. So if I can do that through a SMOOTHIE, how can my day get any better??
Well said, Stacey! 🙂
My little kiddo is now in daycare and that comes with so many runny noses and coughs. I have to trick him in eating fruits and vegetables. This smoothie is a hit because I know he is getting the protection he needs + a serving of fruits 🙂 . Thanks for the recipe, love it!
So glad you both love it!