The Best Gluten Free and Dairy Free Protein Ball Recipes

            I truly believe in the importance of overall mind and body health. Throughout years and years of trying different lifestyle changes, I found when I eat well, I feel well. For this reason, I maintain a gluten free and dairy free diet. While it can take a while to get used to a gluten and dairy free lifestyle, there are plenty of amazing recipes that taste good and keep you energized throughout the day. Below are a few of my favorite protein ball recipes that I have throughout the years that are perfect healthy option when you are craving a snack in the middle of the day.

1. 5 Ingredient Protein Balls

            When it comes to snacks, there is nothing I love more than an easy, quick, and mess free recipe. These 5 ingredient protein balls are absolutely perfect to make sure you have energy throughout the day while still remaining gluten and dairy free. All you need for this tasty recipe are nut butter, chia seeds, hemp seeds, protein powder and dates for sweetness.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of nut butter (I love almond and cashew)
  • 4 pitted medjool dates
    • 2/3 cup help seeds
      • 1/4 cup chia seeds
      • 3 tbsp protein powder (I love vanilla or chocolate)

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients to the food processor until cookie dough like texture forms.
   1. Scoop out 1 tbsp sized balls and place on parchment paper.
      1. Roll the balls in your favorite topping (hemp seeds or coconut flakes).
      1. Drizzle some chocolate on top for extra sweetness if you would like. 
      1. Let chill in the freezer or refrigerator for 15 minutes.
      1. Enjoy!

• Dark Chocolate Hemp Energy Bites: 

            I absolutely LOVE sweets. However, I also know sweets aren’t exactly the healthiest. Dark chocolate has been the best compromise of sweets and health that I’ve found so far. Below is a recipe to some amazing Dark Chocolate Protein Balls that give me energy and also appease my sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates
  • 2 cups raw walnuts
    • 6 tbsp cacao powder
      • 3 tbsp help seeds
      • 1/4 tsp sea salt
      • 3 tbsp creamy nut butter
      • 1 tbsp melted coconut oil (if you like a fudge-like texture)

Steps:

1. Add dates to the food processor and mix until small bites remain. Then set aside.
   1. Add walnuts to food processor and mix until fine pieces remain. Add cacao powder, hemp seeds, and sea salt. Pulse a couple more times.
      1. Add dates back in along with nut butter and coconut oil. Mix until dough-like texture. Refrigerate for 10 minutes and scoop out rounded balls. Feel free to roll in extra hemp seeds if desired.
      1. Enjoy!

• Peanut Butter Cup Energy Bites

            Recess Peanut Butter Cups are AMAZING! However, they are not gluten and dairy free, which means they are unfortunately no longer part of my diet. But, these Peanut Butter Cup Energy Bites have been the most amazing healthy replacement that I have found so far. The best part…they are so easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates
  • 3 tbsp all-natural salted peanut butter
    • 1/4 cup dairy free dark chocolate
      • 1 tbsp chia seeds
      • 2/3 cup GF rolled oats

Steps:

1. Mix pitted dates in food processor until they are in small pieces. 
   1. Add oats, chocolate, chia seeds and peanut butter to food processor and pulse until dough-like texture appears.
      1. Roll into 1 inch balls.
      1. Leave in fridge or freezer for 15 minutes if you prefer them harder. Otherwise, you can eat at room temperature. 
      1. Enjoy!

• 5 Minute Energy Balls

            I absolute love a quick recipe. Between traveling, working, and making time for family and friends, sometimes I just don’t have tons of time to prep healthy food. That’s why these 5 Minute Energy Balls are perfect to make and have around when I’m in need of a quick pick me up. 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups GF rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
    • 1 cup all natural peanut butter
      • GF maple syrup
      • 1-2 tbsp dairy free milk (ie almond milk)
      • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Steps

1. Mix oats and protein powder in a large bowl. 
   1. Add in peanut butter and syrup and mix. 
      1. Add in milk 1 tbsp at a time until dough thickens. 
      1. Roll dough into balls.
      1. Refrigerate until firm (around 10 minutes).
      1. Enjoy!

Links:

1. West Elm Kaloh Mixing Bowls:
   
2. Williams Sonoma Copper Measuring Cups:
   
3. Williams Sonoma Copper Measuring Spoons:
   
4. Le Cruset Large Silicone Spatula:
   

Vitamix Food Processor Att