These healthy and satisfying strawberry energy balls are packed with fruit, nuts, and healthy fats! They’ll be your go-to grab and go snack!
I’m a fan of Mark Sisson and his blog, Mark’s Daily Apple. In fact, I totally credit him for starting me on my Paleo journey. Sisson says there’s an 80/20 rule when it comes to eating like a caveperson? I can do that! Nowadays, I’m actually closer to 95/5 – but The Primal Blueprint was a great starting point for someone like me, who was hesitant to hop aboard the Paleo gravy train.
Last week, I bought The Primal Blueprint Quick & Easy Meals cookbook and I’ve been studying it closely to find recipes to try. After all, I may be a recovering sugar addict, but I’m still an out-and-proud cookbook junkie. And this one doesn’t disappoint: There are a lot of tempting recipes in the book – PLUS each one takes less than 30 minutes to complete!
First up, Nutty Berry Protein Balls!
I didn’t have any blueberries or dates in the house, so I subbed in some strawberries and prunes. Yes, I know nuts (especially walnuts) are high in omega-6 fatty acids but these balls shouldn’t be eaten by the handful anyways. I’m not a huge fan of walnuts (the skins always add a bitterness that I don’t like) so next time I’ll sub in some roasted almonds.
Ingredients:
- Pitted prunes (St. Dalfour brand is the BEST) or Medjool dates
- Walnuts (almonds are a great substitute)
- Roasted, unsalted macadamia nuts
- Coconut oil
- Fresh strawberries (or use your favorite berry)
- Unsweetened, shredded coconut
How to make the energy balls
I pulsed the prunes in the food processor until they formed a paste.
I threw in the nuts…
…and pulsed until they were finely chopped.
I added the melted coconut oil while the blade was running and stopped as soon as it was incorporated.
I scooped out the mixture into a bowl…
…tossed in the strawberries…
…and gently mixed everything together.
I formed the dough into 12 balls by rolling them in my palms.
It’s pretty sticky and soft so I had to be pretty careful when I formed them into balls. Then, I dredged the balls in shredded coconut…
…and refrigerated them to harden.
My kids aren’t super fans of these balls because they don’t really like prunes. Or walnuts. Or coconut.
But I liked ‘em (and that’s what counts!). Next time, I’ll play around with the ingredients and possibly make some chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nut balls. On second thought, I better not – ‘cause I’ll scarf them down in just one sitting!
Want more energy balls recipes? Check out these variations!
Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013), Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017), and Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2021).
PRINTER-FRIENDLY RECIPE CARD
Strawberry Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 4 pitted prunes or pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup toasted walnuts or toasted almonds
- ½ cup roasted, unsalted macadamia nuts
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries or your favorite berry
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Pulse the prunes in a food processor until they form a uniform paste.
- Add the nuts to the food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
- Pour the melted coconut oil through the top chute of the food processor while the blade is running. Turn off the food processor as soon as the oil is incorporated.
- Scoop the mixture into a large bowl and add the strawberries. Gently mix everything together until uniform.
- Form the dough into 12 even portions and roll them in your palms until they resemble uniform balls. The balls will be sticky and soft at this point.
- Roll the balls in the shredded coconut until coated all over.
- Chill in the fridge until solidified. You can keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
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