Green Superfood Energy Balls
A no-bake, nutrient-dense snack perfect for an afternoon energy lift, packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable with your favorite green superfood powder.
For 15 servings
If your Medjool dates are not soft and pliable, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry. Pit all dates before proceeding.
In a food processor, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, green superfood powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse a few times until the oats are coarsely ground, creating a flour-like consistency with some texture.
Add the pitted dates, almond butter, and vanilla extract to the food processor with the dry ingredients.
Process on high speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture comes together into a sticky, uniform dough. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed.
If the mixture appears too dry and crumbly, add water or plant milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, processing after each addition, until the desired sticky consistency is achieved.
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a compact, smooth ball, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
If desired, place the desiccated coconut (or other coating) in a shallow dish and roll each energy ball in it to coat evenly.
Place the finished energy balls on a plate or in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving.
Store the Green Superfood Energy Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture and stickiness, use fresh, soft Medjool dates. If your dates are dry, soaking them briefly in warm water will make them easier to process.
- 2Avoid over-processing the mixture; stop once it forms a cohesive dough to retain some texture from the oats and seeds, preventing a completely smooth paste.
- 3If the mixture is too sticky to roll comfortably, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will firm it up slightly and make handling easier.
- 4Experiment with different green powders like wheatgrass, chlorella, or a 'greens blend' to find your preferred flavor and nutritional profile.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut/Seed Swap
Replace almond butter with cashew butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavor notes. Incorporate flax seeds or hemp seeds for an extra omega-3 boost.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor, a dash of cinnamon for warmth, or a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an added nutritional punch.
Chocolate GreenChocolate Green
Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder to create a chocolatey version that can help mask the earthy taste of some green powders.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Sustained Energy
Oats provide complex carbohydrates for a steady release of energy, while healthy fats from almond butter and chia seeds contribute to satiety and prevent energy crashes.
Nutrient-Dense
Green superfood powders are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, supporting overall health, immunity, and cellular function.
Digestive Health
Dates and chia seeds are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, supports gut regularity, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, quick oats can be used, but rolled oats provide a slightly chewier texture and more dietary fiber. If using quick oats, the processing time might be a bit shorter.
