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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.
Video
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.
I want to keep my immune system strong one because of covid-19, two I deal with Endometriosis and I have a very weak immune system.
Stacey, I’m sorry to hear about your endometriosis but you are right. It’s very important (especially this year) to do all you can to help your immune system be as strong as it can.
It would be an immune booster for the family – whenever I make smoothies usually everyone ends wanting to have some.
Way to share the smoothie love with your whole family, Ramona! We love it when smoothies become a family affair. 😀
I want to keep my immune system strong because my husband is going through cancer treatment. Keeping myself healthy and strong helps keep him healthy.
I love your outlook, Amber! Sending you both good vibes as you go through this tough time.
While there is no one-size-fits-all remedy for illness, supporters of elderberry say the fruit is one of nature’s most versatile solutions for what ails you. I need this immunity booster to alleviate my stress levels and tame inflammation from eczema and other skin conditions. Also, I am working towards having a healthy diet that includes foods with vitamin B, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
Way to take ownership of your health, Jenny!
Before there was a pandemic I’ve looked for different ways to keep my immune system on point. Especially during these times since I live with my parents, I have to also try to keep them in top top shape. I haven’t tried this recipe, but I have pinned it, as it looks like a winner!
After you try it, come back to rate it + let us know what you think! 🙂
I am 70 years old and have been on a mission to get healthier every day. I began following Jen almost since the beginning and have made her smoothies a part of my life with the intent of putting the right stuff into my body for greater immunity. Now more than ever I need to do the right thing. This looks terrific and I want to try it.
Thanks for being part of our awesome Rawkstar Community for so long, Cathy!! I love that we have been able to help you on your journey to being healthier every day. (That’s a wonderful mission, by the way!) 😀
I would love a natural way to boost my immune system. I work in a children’s hospital. With the pandemic, the upcoming flu season, and with some of the kids going back to school and daycares as well as the kids participating in contact sports my risks has significantly increased. I want to stay healthy for myself and to serve the community.
Elderberry syrup is definitely an awesome natural way to boost your immune system. Stay healthy, Diane!
I love elderberry and this smoothie looks fantastic! I have never added syrups to my rawskstar smoothies, but would love to try!
Give it a try and come back to let us know what you think!
I just tried elderberry syrup for the first time last week while visiting my parents! I want to keep my immune system up so I can continue to spend time outside running and hiking.
Those are *great* reasons to keep up your immune system, Kathryn!!
I am a cancer patient and had almost all my innards removed. So I have no immune system and am a caregiver. I ordered a bottle of the elderberry and have been using it in the smoothie recipe. I’m hoping and believe it will keep me safe.
Def make sure to take care of yourself, Sam. Wishing you health and wellness!
I haven’t tried this recipe yet, just printed it yesterday. Always looking for ways to boost my immune system with healthy foods, especially this year since I’m a nurse and working in a hospital through the pandemic. Adding flu season to the mix could be challenging so excited to add this smoothie to my routine
Thank you for your work, Kate! This smoothie is a great way to help keep your immune system strong this fall and winter. Stay healthy!
As a middle school teacher, it is especially important for me to boost my immune system. In addition to the nature of our students not being super mindful of germs, Flu season is approaching, and of course, we are still living in a pandemic! As a vegetarian and naturalista, it is important for me to find healthy, natural ways to support my body and have it working as it’s maximum.
Well said, Marquita! We appreciate the teachers, now more than ever!!
I can’t rate the recipe because I haven’t tried it but based on the ingredients it looks delicious!! As a mom of 3 kiddos I need to keep immune systems up especially as we head into cold & flu season (and prayerfully not covid 2.0). Thank you for all your smoothie challenge recipes, the family and I love them!
Def come back to rate it after you give it a try, Ashley! So glad you love our challenges! 🙂
I use Elderberry tea but would love to try the syrup. With all the contaminants we are expose to ever day, our immune system deserve it. The color is so pretty too!
So true Ge-Ge, our immune systems deserve some extra love!
I’ve always wanted to boost my immune system with natural products especially since I work in a hospital and flu season is around the corner.
This really is the most important time of year to give our immune systems some extra help!
I’m 5 years Cancer-free (Yayyy!) and I’ve already been taking Sambucol to keep up my immunity, but this recipe is an awesome way to change up my morning since I already love dragonfruit also.
Hi Dee! First of all, CONGRATS on being 5 years cancer-free!!! That’s awesome. 😀
If you already like dragonfruit, I think you’re going to really love this smoothie!
I’ve never tried elderberry syrup, but love blackberries and dragon fruit! This will be a fun one to try!
Sarah, it’s pretty and delicious! Def give it a try and come back to leave your thoughts + rate it! 🙂
I’ve been making smoothies for 8 years and have never once considered putting elderberry syrup in a smoothie!
It really is a great boost to add to smoothies! And thank you for sharing the love with your own online community! 🙂
I will have to give this recipe a try. Looks and sounds delicious. A good way to stay healthy.
Def try it, Helena! And come back to let us know what you thought. 🙂
I haven’t tried this YET, but who doesn’t want to be Healthy, Wealthy and Wise.
Couldn’t have said it better, David! 😀