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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.
I will be shopping to get the ingredients needed for this. Tried dragon fruit for the first time last week and it was super sweet and yummy; may have been a bit overripe; reminded me a bit of kiwi.
We suggest kiwi as a substitute if you don’t have dragon fruit, so when you say it reminded you a bit of kiwi, you were spot on! This is a delicious recipe (as well as being so good for you), come back and let us know what you thought after you give it a try!
I need immune boost to protect my mom, kids, husband, sibling, everyone surround me and I. I will spread the word of “the important how to take care our immune system in our body, especially in this time of pandemic.”
Fauzia, you’re right- it’s so important to take care of ourselves and our immune systems. Especially now!
I tried some homemade elderberry syrup last year – and sad that I ran out too quickly! It’s delicious and sooo good for you! Especially in these Covid times – it’s important to keep immunity up!! I need all the help I can get! Thank you!
Right now, it’s more important than ever!
What a vibrant and beautiful smoothie. I would love to try that. My family has used elderberry for many years now. My two children 10 and 3 have to go to school each day since I am an essential worker and I am always trying to boost their immune system to arm them with a bit of health before we go on our way each day. Thanks for the recipe.
Glad this recipe can help you make sure you and your kids have strong immune systems as you tackle each day!
I would like to give my immune system a boost so I can stay healthy for my family … I’m support person of the year!
Nice!
I would like to give my immune system a boost because I am nursing a newborn, being a teacher to a 16, 10 and 8 year old all while working from home support our troops and catering part time. Elderberry has been a key nutrient in assisting my family stay healthy all year! Let’s keep the good times rolling!
Sounds like you’re keeping busy, Stephanie!
I love your recipes and would love to try this immune boosting one as well!
So glad you love them!! 🙂
Thanks for the great recipes! I work with elderly dementia and Alzheimer’s residents in our memory care communities. We’ve had positive cases and I’m doing whatever I can to ensure I don’t have or spread infections to our wonderful residents.
Thank you for all you do, Ben! This is a great recipe to help strengthen and support your immune system. 🙂
The recipe sounds and looks delicious! I haven’t used this syrup but would like to try it as winter will be here soon and my family needs anything healthy that will strengthen their immune systems.
Give it a try and let us know what you think!
What a gorgeous smoothie! I have 5 kiddos, who I homeschool, so I absolutely positively cannot get sick (who can, though?).
Sounds like you are keeping very busy, Marina! Def important to stay healthy for the kiddos!
I believe I could really use an immune boost. I have a few health problems that cause me to catch about anything going around. Plus my future daughter in law has an immune deficiency so she could really use it also!
This time of year, we could all use an immune boost! 🙂
I would love to try Elderberry syrup, I have a brand new grandbaby and staying healthy to be able to be around her is my top goal! And I just bought some frozen dragon fruit to try in my morning smoothies as well. I love my daily greens!
That’s great, Shelli!
I would love to try the elderberry syrup. My husband works on the frontlines and I am always looking for ways to keep my family healthy!!
Elderberry syrup + this delicious smoothie are great ways to help your family maintain a strong immune system!
With everything going on I’d love to boost not only my families immunity, but also our extended family, neighbors, and friends who need the help. I am auto immune and my grandparents are in quarantine so they really need to boost their immunity. I am buying all the ingredients I need to make this.
That’s great, Desiree! Come back to rate it and let us know what you thought after you give it a try. 🙂
Working in healthcare on the front lines during the pandemic is making my own health and immunity a top priority especially coming into cold and flu season on top of everything else. Having something that I can add into my smoothie to help boost my immune system fits perfectly with my busy shift work life.
Shift work can def take a toll on the body! Smoothies are a great way to nourish your body and help take care of it, especially during a hectic work schedule.
I really love supporting my immune system with natural and tasty treats. I have a concoction that includes elderberry syrup, echinacea tincture and tincture of oregano. It tastes terrible, but really works when I feel a cold coming on. 🙂 This smoothie seems much more palatable! Thanks for the tip!
This smoothie is delicious! You def have to try it. 🙂