Sweet and nutty, these easy oat-free protein balls with dates make the perfect quick snack! They’re packed with protein and have a delicious texture (no grittiness!) you’ll love.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Sweet and nutty
- 🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 25 balls
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Dates, walnuts, protein powder, shredded coconut
- 📋 Method: Blend in food processor or high-speed blender
- 📖 Dietary Info: gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan, paleo, Whole30
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes!
- 👩🍳 Tip: Fresh dates give these protein balls natural sweetness, rich flavor, and a soft texture.
These were delicious!! I love to use dates in recipes and this is perfect. Snacks I can feel good about!
Rachael
Easy, Satisfying, and Family-Approved
I know I’m not alone when I say my family LOVES snacks! Whether it’s an afternoon bite for my toddlers or a quick pre-dinner snack for my husband after a long day of work, we go through them as fast as I can make them.
For years, date energy balls have been a favorite around here. But when I want something a little more filling and high in protein, I like to switch things up and make these protein balls instead.
They’re quick and easy enough to fit into even the busiest days. My kids love the natural sweetness and rich flavor from the dates, and I can always guarantee these will be devoured just as quickly as I can make them.
Ingredients
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, place the dates, walnuts, protein powder, chia seeds, salt, and vanilla in your food processor.
Step 2: Blend the mixture until it comes together as a soft dough.
Chef’s Tip: You want to make sure the ingredients are well combined with no chunks of dates or nuts. However, if you process it too long, the oil in the walnuts can start to separate from the mixture. If that happens, simply refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes to help it firm up before rolling into balls.
Step 3: Form the dough into small approximately 1 1/2 inch balls.
Step 4: Then roll the balls in shredded coconut.
Step 5: Place the protein balls side-by-side on a baking sheet, cover, and place them in the fridge to chill for an hour.
Step 6: Enjoy your delicious energy balls or freeze for later!
If you’re looking for more high-protein snacks, check out my pumpkin protein balls and cheesy egg bites!
FAQs
To store, place the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make sure the container is sealed well since they can easily pick up other flavors from the fridge!
No, fresh dates will give these protein balls the best flavor and texture.
If you let the food processor run too long, the walnuts will release too much oil and make the balls oily. If this happens, simply place the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before rolling them.
No, you can skip it if you prefer. For the best dates balls without protein powder, you can make my simple energy balls.
Yes! These protein balls are made with real, healthy ingredients, especially if you use a healthy protein powder.
Yes, to freeze protein balls, simply place them in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to thaw them, you can move them to the fridge. Also, some people (like my husband) prefer eating them straight out of the freezer.
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Protein balls are my favorite snack for car rides! If you store them in the freezer, they’ll stay cool longer in the car which is perfect for warm days.
If you try this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Oat-Free Protein Balls with Dates
Equipment
Ingredients
- 30 fresh dates
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the dates, walnuts, protein powder, chia seeds, salt, and vanilla in your food processor and blend the mixture until it comes together as a soft dough.30 fresh dates, 1 cup walnut halves, 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Form the dough into small approximately 1 1/2 inch balls and roll in shredded coconut.1/3 cup shredded coconut
- Place the protein balls side-by-side on a baking sheet, cover, and place them in the fridge to chill for an hour before eating.
Notes
- I used Deglet Noor dates in these protein balls, but Medjool dates would also be delicious! Medjool dates are bigger, so if you use them, you can reduce the number of dates by 50%.
- Make sure to use protein powder with a mild, pleasant flavor. I used Garden of Life vanilla protein powder, and it was delicious.
- If you prefer, you can substitute flax seeds for the chia seeds.
Nutrition
If you tried these date protein balls, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
My family loves this recipe! If you have any questions about making it, let me know in the comments.
These were delicious!! I love to use dates in recipes and this is perfect. Snacks I can feel good about!
Thanks for sharing! I agree – this is definitely one of my favorite ways to eat dates!
So yummy! I like that the chia seeds add a little crunch too.
I’m so glad you enjoyed these!