These healthy strawberry protein balls are chewy and delicious, as well as high in protein. They're great for a pre-workout snack or healthy dessert. This protein ball recipe is paleo friendly, gluten free and dairy free.
My freezer is always stashed with a batch of protein balls or energy bites. And since Valentine's day is just around the corner, I've been making these strawberry protein balls the last few weeks.
These balls are chewy, with a sweet strawberry flavor. I love dipping them in white chocolate to enjoy for dessert, but you can leave them as-is or roll them in crushed freeze dried strawberries.
Why You'll Love these Healthy Protein Balls
- Paleo friendly - made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Gluten free and dairy free - no wheat, no oats and no whey in these protein balls
- Easy to make - just blend ingredients in a food processor and roll into balls
- No bake - perfect for a hot summer treat
- Healthy - made with minimally processed ingredients and high in protein
Ingredients
Only 4 ingredients are required for these strawberry protein balls. The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below, but here's a list of what you need:
- freeze dried strawberries - you can find these online, or at many health food stores.
- unsweetened shredded coconut - unsweetened coconut flakes would work too
- protein powder - I used Nuzest strawberry pea protein, however may protein powders will work for this recipe. Pea protein is very absorbent, so depending on the protein powder you use, you many need to adjust amount of water added.
- honey - optional sweetener. You can leave it out or swap the honey for maple syrup.
- vanilla extract - optional for added flavor
- water - needed to get the right protein ball texture.
How to Make Strawberry Protein Balls
These strawberry protein balls do require a food processor, but they're no-bake and come together quickly! Here are the steps:
- Blend the freeze dried strawberries, coconut and protein powder to a fine powder.
- Add in the honey, vanilla and water (start with just 3 tablespoons water) and blend. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a playdough-like texture.
- Roll the mixture into balls, each about one tablespoon in size. You should get 15-16 protein balls.
- Enjoy as-is, or add toppings.
Storage
These protein balls hold up at room temperature, so can be set out for serving or packed in a sack lunch. However, for long term storage, place them in an airtight container or baggie and store in the fridge or freezer. They keep well in the fridge for up to two weeks, or the freezer up to two months.
FAQ
I have only tested these protein balls with pea protein, but most protein powders should work for this recipe. You may have to adjust the water content, as pea protein is very absorbent.
To make these strawberry protein balls vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup.
Please note, macros will vary slightly depending on the brands you use and how accurately you measure ingredients. I calculated these protein balls using Nuzest strawberry pea protein and did not include any toppings/decorations. If making 15 balls, they each have about 54 calories, 3.3 grams fat, 3.7 grams carbohydrate and 2 grams of protein.
More Recipes Using Protein Powder
Looking for more high protein recipes? Check out these blog favorites:
Healthy Strawberry Protein Balls (Paleo)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 15-16 protein balls
Description
These healthy strawberry protein balls are made with a few simple ingredients - all paleo and gluten free! They're a great high protein snack or dessert option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freeze dried strawberries
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup strawberry pea protein (31g)
- 1 Tbsp raw honey (maple syrup for vegan)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3-5 Tbsp water*
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, coconut and protein powder to your food processor. Blend for about 1 minute, so that the mixture turns to a fine powder.
- Add in the honey, vanilla and 3 tablespoons of water. Blend, adding more water (1 tablespoon at a time) until the mixture forms a playdough-like texture.
- Roll the mixture into balls, each about one tablespoon in size. You should get 15-16 protein balls.
- Enjoy as-is, or add toppings**
- Store these protein balls in an airtight container or baggie in the fridge or freezer. They keep well in the fridge for up to two weeks, or the freezer up to two months.
Notes
*The amount of water you need will depend on the protein powder you use. If you aren't using pea protein, I suggest starting with just 1 tablespoon of water and adding more as needed.
**For topping options, you can roll the protein balls in crushed freeze dried strawberries or dip them in melted chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 54
- Fat: 3.3g
- Carbohydrates: 3.7g
- Protein: 2g
Katie
Hope you all love these protein balls as much as I do!