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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.
Blackberry 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.
Since I have a low immune system, I do what I can to naturally boost it. The elderberry syrup would be a great complement to my diet.
I have always been on the forefront of utilizing foods as medicine. I suffer from mastocytosis and what I eat plays a huge role in how the disease presents itself. Furthermore, I am a teacher who is going into school 5 days a week with students present. I want to protect myself, my family, my friends and my students by keeping my immunity strong! Elderberry syrup sounds like an awesome and tasty way to do so! Thanks for sharing. ✊
We thank all the teachers, Stacey, and we appreciate you!! This is definitely an important time of year to keep our immune systems as strong as possible.
Elderberry syrup is a great addition to your diet to help keep your immune system strong, Phyllis! 🙂
I’ve never used Elderberry syrup before. Interested in how it can boost our immune system. Would love to try it! Thanks, Jen and team for everything you guys do to keep us healthy!
Hey Kelli, you’re so welcome! Our blog entry on making your own elderberry syrup has some great info on its benefits (https://simplegreensmoothies.com/elderberry-syrup).
Need this! We’ve been sick in March already with Covid-19 (entire family including our 2 young kids). Unfortunately we are still all dealing with the after-effects, despite it being more than 6 months now since we first got sick). I keep on adding things to our diet that helps boost our immune system and elderberry has been on my to-do list for a few months now.
Honestly, I wanted to make a syrup myself, to keep it as clean as possible. But then I saw this from Sambucol and realised it could be so much easier! I’m all about keeping it easy these days 🙂
Oh, Larissa, I am so sorry to hear your whole family got Covid-19 and are still dealing with the aftereffects! Keep up the good work in adding immune-boosting foods to your family’s diet (and yes, keeping it easy sounds like a good plan for you!). Sending lots of get well vibes your way!
Thank you for the easy and delicious healthy smoothie recipe! Always looking for simple, clean ways to enhance our immune systems and feel good doing it.
You’re welcome, Beth! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
My kids have elderberry immune boosting gummies, but I haven’t boosted myself or my husband. With the pandemic, we have been super careful because we have family with health issues that could be badly affected if they caught covid. If it could be as simple as some syrup in an extra yummy smoothie to keep everyone healthier, count me in! 🙂
That’s great your kids have gummies to help their immune systems! You and your husband def need to get in on the elderberry/immune boosting love! And yes, it is as simple and as delicious as a smoothie, so no excuses!! 🙂
In this day and age, with Covid-19 here, I am trying to stay as healthy as possible. This syrup sounds like it would be a healthy boost to my day to remain in good health through this pandemic and help stay healthy for the rest of my life!
So true, Kelly!
We use elderberry syrup when someone in the house is starting to feel like they are getting sick. Never thought to use it in a smoothie!
You’re already ahead of the game, Valerie! 🙂 Def give it a try in a smoothie and see what you and your family think!
I’ve used black elderberry for myself and my kids whenever there is a need to give their immune systems a boost. With school opening in a week they will go back every other week (the school chose a hybrid model for return), and I just want to arm their bodies the best way I can to stay healthy. I really appreciate SGS and applaud all their efforts to help give me the knowledge and recipes I’ve been looking for to make that happen. You help give me a bit more peace of mind in a world I can’t control. Thank you!
Patty, this was so well said and I believe it echoes the thoughts and feelings of so many parents and guardians out there! I’m sure your kiddos appreciate all you do to help keep them healthy! (even if they forget to say so 😉 )
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!