These Coconut Lime Protein Balls taste like a small vacation in the tropics! 🌴
I like to keep some of these in the fridge for when I need a fast snack or a boost.
They’re sweet, tangy, chewy, and full of protein. Plus, they’re easy to make and don’t need to be baked.
I prepared these for the first time on a Sunday when I had some lime zest left over and didn’t want to use the oven. I make these virtually every week now. This is why I keep coming back:
- No need to bake; just mix and roll!
- A bright, zesty taste that makes you feel good.
- It fills me up with protein and healthy fats.
- Simple to pack for work, the gym, or a road trip
- They taste like dessert but are quite healthy.
🍴 12 balls per serving
⏲️ Time to get ready: 10 minutes
❄️ Chill Time (optional for a harder texture): 15 to 30 minutes
🔥 No cooking time!
Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
Protein powder helps hold the ingredients together and offers you energy that lasts.
The balls stay together naturally because Medjool Dates are sticky.
Coconut flour soaks in moisture, so the mix isn’t too wet.
Lime zest and juice provide acidity and perfume to the flavor.
- ◯ 1 cup of soft, pitted Medjool dates
- ◯ ½ cup shredded coconut that isn’t sweet
- ◯ ¼ cup of coconut flour
- ◯ ½ cup of vanilla protein powder
- ◯ 2 tablespoons of lime juice that is fresh
- ◯ 1 tablespoon of lime zest
- ◯ 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil
- ◯ A little bit of salt
- ◯ Optional: more crushed coconut for rolling
Processor for food
Microplane or a little grater
A small bowl for lime juice
Spatula
Rolling plate or baking tray
Cups and spoons for measuring
Preparation Steps
- Make the Dates Soft
Soak your dates in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, then drain well if they are a touch hard. - Put in the food processor
Put the drained dates, ½ cup of shredded coconut, ¼ cup of coconut flour, ½ cup of vanilla protein powder, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of lime zest, 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil, and a teaspoon of salt in the food processor. - Mix It
In the food processor, pulse the mixture until it sticks together and is well mixed. When you press it, it should stick together.
- Make Balls
Take roughly a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to make balls. - Optional: Roll in Coconut
If you want a snowy coating, roll each ball in more shredded coconut. - Put in the fridge (optional)
Put the final balls in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes to harden.
Tips & Variations
Use fresh dates, and if they’re dried, soak them!
Zest first, then juice. It’s much easier.
Taste before rolling and change the lime or sweetness as needed.
Keep your hands wet so the mix doesn’t stick when you roll it.
Double the batch; they freeze like a dream.
- No protein powder? Use oats or almond flour.
- No coconut flour? Try almond meal or oat flour.
- Add chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Add nuts: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped almonds or cashews.
- Change the dates: Soaked dried apricots or figs work well.
Using dry dates without soaking makes the mix too crumbly.
Not using the coconut flour makes the dough excessively moist.
Not processing long enough; the mix needs to come together.
Storage
You may keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
You may freeze it for up to three months. Just let it thaw for 5 to 10 minutes before you consume it.
Put in an airtight container in the fridge for up to seven days.
Put in the freezer for 2–3 months and then take out and consume.
Serving Suggestions
- A smoothie for a quick breakfast
- Berries and Greek yogurt
- A few almonds will give you a protein boost.
- Tea in the afternoon or iced green tea
Breakfast: Have two protein balls with a banana and almond milk latte.
After working out, eat 2 balls and drink a protein shake.
One ball and green tea in the afternoon will pick you up.
Dessert that is good for you: two balls after supper
FAQs
Q: Is it okay to use a blender instead of a food processor?
A: You can try, but it’s tougher to get a smooth texture. Food processors work best for this.
Q: Do these fit into a keto diet?
A: Not really—dates have sugars that are good for you. Instead, use almond flour and a low-carb sweetener.
Q: Is it okay to skip the protein powder?
A: Yes! To fix the texture, just add extra almond meal or coconut flour.
Q: Is it okay to use lime juice from a bottle?
A: Fresh is ideal for taste, but bottled works in a pinch.
If you want something healthy, sweet, and filling without having to turn on the oven, these Coconut Lime Protein Balls are a quick win. Give these a try and tell me how yours turn out! I’d want to know what you think or address any queries you have. Just leave a remark below! 💬🌿