These green energy balls are a superfood snack, perfect for a high protein treat or a fun St. Patrick's Day snack. They're made with 6 simple ingredients, no bake, oat free and naturally colored green thanks to the use of pumpkin seed protein and hemp hearts.
I love sharing fun recipes with my kids each holiday. And since St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, I knew I wanted to make a green themed treat to share.
These green energy balls are great because they're made with just a few simple ingredients, completely nut free (acceptable for packing in school lunches), and they're actually healthy (but they taste like dessert).
They have a sweet coconut and maple flavor and a chewy texture, but they hold their shape and make for a great portable snack.
Why You'll Love These Green Energy Balls
- gluten free and grain free - made without flour and without oats
- nut free - great for packing in school lunches
- packed with protein and healthy fats
- paleo friendly - made with healthy ingredients that are minimally processed
- naturally green - no dyes or artificial coloring
- easy to make - just blend ingredients and roll into balls
Ingredients
To make these healthy green protein balls, you'll need the following ingredients:
- pumpkin seed protein - I love Sprout Living pumpkin seed protein, which has a natural green color. The best alternative would be hemp protein powder, but the color will be slightly different. You can always add in superfood powders like matcha or spirulina to make the protein balls more green.
- unsweetened shredded coconut - a healthy fat source that helps the protein balls hold together
- hemp seeds - they add to the green color and contain a bunch of nutritional benefits
- salt - optional, but adds to the flavor
- maple syrup - to sweeten the protein balls and add moisture so that the dough holds together.
- vanilla extract - optional for flavor
How to Make Green Energy Balls
To make these energy balls, simply add all ingredients to a food processor. Blend, stopping if needed to scrape the sides, until the dough starts to clump and will easily hold together.
If you add too much protein powder, then the dough will be dry and crumbly. You can add more maple syrup to help moisten the dough so it will hold together.
Scoop the dough into balls, each about one tablespoon in size. You should get about 12 protein balls.
You can enjoy them as-is or turn them into more of a dessert by dipping them in dark chocolate.
Storage
Keep these green protein balls in an airtight container or bag. Store them in the fridge up to two weeks, or the freezer up to two months.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a keto option, swap the maple syrup for a sugar free sweetener.
These protein balls are light green. For a darker color, blend in some matcha or spirulina.
You can keep them in the fridge up to two weeks. For longer storage, place in the freezer up to two months.
More Healthy Protein Ball Recipes
- Vanilla Protein Balls (Nut Free)
- Dark Chocolate Protein Balls
- Superfood Energy Bites
- Birthday Cake Protein Balls
Green Energy Balls (No Oats)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 energy balls
Description
These green energy balls are made with just 6 ingredients and completely gluten free, dairy free, nut free, paleo and vegan friendly. They're a great green treat for St. Patrick's Day!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup hemp hearts
- 2 level scoops pumpkin seed protein (30g)*
- pinch of salt (optional)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or favorite liquid sweetener)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor. Blend, stopping if needed to scrape the sides, until the dough starts to clump and will easily hold together. If you add too much protein powder, then the dough will be dry and crumbly. You can add more maple syrup to help moisten the dough so it will hold together.
- Scoop the dough into balls, each about one tablespoon in size. You should get about 12 energy balls.
- You can enjoy them as-is or turn them into more of a dessert by dipping them in dark chocolate.
- Store energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in the freezer up to two months.
Notes
*pumpkin seed protein is green, giving these energy balls a natural green color. The best substitute would be hemp protein powder. For a more green color, blend in superfood powders like matcha or spirulina.
Katie