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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.
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!
I have tried to use this stay-at-home spring/summer to improve myself with a substantially plant based whole food diet, yoga, now boot camp, becoming organized, spending more time on activities that nourish and fulfill. It hasn’t been a straight line of progress but I am committed to trying each day. I have made plenty of mistakes and it is hard to let go of old habits that do not serve my interests. I’ve enjoyed trying new things… elderberries and elderberry syrup have always been a mystery to me!
Glad we could introduce you to elderberries, Sarah!
I have come off chemo treatment and I am trying to build my immunity back up to fight off this years virus. I was not so lucky last year I was hospitalized on the first of January for pneumonia in both lungs. I really don’t want to go through that this year. I have been making the smoothies every day with the great recipes that are on this site. I have alway tried to eat right and get plenty of fruits and vegetables, but the smoothies bring it over the top. I like to put the greens in my smoothies and a banana, with the kombucha, and any other fruit in the fridge. It does make you more aware of what you are putting in your body. This leads me into putting Elderberry into my body too. I think it would be a great addition to my daily smoothie routine. Thank you for your website.
Good for you for making smoothies every day! They will be a great help to you as you build your immune system back up. Stay safe + healthy, Laura!
My family has taken on a renewed interest in all things healthy. As I am the primary “chief cook and bottle washer” I want to provide all the immune boosting options I can. This is just one more check box in the pursuit of family health!
It really is!
Staying healthy is sooo important. But right now, it’s even more important to me, as a business owner who is struggling to come back from several months of being closed, getting sick would require me to shut down again, and possibly cause my business to close forever. Having recipes like this to help me stay healthy are super important.
Stay healthy, Casey! We’re all hoping you don’t have to shut down again.