These no-bake lemon protein balls are a quick and healthy snack that you can take with you on the go! They're also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, so they'll give you a nice little boost in energy and support your metabolism.
You guyysss. Can we just talk about how over winter I am? And please tell me I'm not alone.
Cold weather? Grey skies? Icy sidewalks? Winter boots? Yep, I've had enough. I'm ready for Spring.
But since I'm not a weather god andĀ have literally zero impact on temperatures, the best I can do is pretend it's warm and make all the springtime dishes. You know, the ones that are light, flavorful and taste like sunshine. First up? These No-Bake Lemon Protein Balls!
First up? These No-Bake Lemon Protein Balls.
Lemon flavored anything to me just screams spring.Ā Probably in part because it reminds me of Easter, but also because lemon is just cheery and happy. It's yellow which = happiness. It's bright and fresh which = happiness. It's just a bonus that it's also healthy.
For our protein balls, we're using a really delicious base of ingredients and adding in a lemon zest for flavor.
Of course, we've got dates (Medjool to be exact), which give the balls some sweetness but also help them stick together. I also added in brazil nuts this time, which I've never used before, partially because I had some in my pantry but also because brazil nuts are incredibly nutrient-dense.
Brazil nuts are theĀ #1 food source on the planet for a chemical element called selenium. Selenium is a miner that not only increases immunity, but it also defends against free radical damage, inflammation, and helps main a healthy metabolism. It's actually said that eating just one or two Brazil nuts a day gives you all the selenium you need.
Oh and also,Ā selenium deficiencies and thyroid issues have been linked in many studies, so if you are struggling with your thyroid, adding Brazil nuts to your diet could be really helpful!
In addition to those two rock star ingredients, we've also got plant-based protein powder which helps make these balls a little more filling, and maca powder which is super energizing.
I've talked about maca powder before, but here's a quick recap. Maca powder can…
- Support women's natural hormone balance (and sometimes can improve PMS symptoms)
- Increase energy and alertness
- StabilizeĀ mood and blood sugar levels
And it also has a lovely taste. It's has a slight caramel undertone and pairs perfectly with the lemon and cinnamon.
By now I'm sure you know how to make energy balls, but in case you don't,Ā it's super easy.
All you need is a food processor and 10 minutes and your healthy snack is done. You just toss everything into your food processor, let it whiz away until a dough starts to form, then form balls and done. So simple!
Best of all, protein balls like this are a great on-the-go snack option! So if you're busy with work, school or kids, just pop a few of these babies in your bag and you'll have all the nutrients you need to power through your day.
More Energy Balls to Try:
- Coconut Chai Protein Quinoa Energy Bites
- Raw & Vegan Carrot Cake Bites
- Vegan Matcha Protein Balls
- Apple Pie Energy Bites
- Superfood Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites
- Banana Peanut Butter Energy Bites
- Mango Coconut Energy Balls
- Golden Milk Energy Balls
- The Ultimate Guide to Making Energy Balls
- 25 More!
No-Bake Lemon Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates about 12
- 1 cup brazil nuts
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder or unflavored
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 1 tablespoon nut/seed butter of choice I used cashew
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 whole lemon
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Add dates and brazil nuts to the bowl of a food processor. Process on high until finely ground. Add remaining ingredients (minus water) and blend until combined.
- If a dough forms, then don't add water. If it still seems a little dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time, processing completely between each addition, until a dough begins to form.
- Shape the dough into balls, about the size of golf balls, and place in the fridge/freezer to firm up.
- I like to store mine in the fridge/freezer to maximize shelf life!
Video
Nutrition
Filed Under:
New to cooking quinoa? Grab your FREE Quinoa Starter Guide!
Become part of the Simply Quinoa community and receive weekly emails with exclusive content that I only share in email, as well as my in-depth guide to starting your quinoa journey.
Want more healthy snack recipes?
Follow my board on Pinterest!
