The Best Pistachio Balls (with dates)

All you need is 3 ingredients (pistachios, oats, and dates) to make the best pistachio balls! These energy bites are super easy to make, they are healthy for you, and they have 2 grams of protein each.

I created this nutrient-dense recipe when we were living in Kenya. I didn't have an oven, and since we were only there for a couple of months I didn't want to buy lots of ingredients that I wouldn't end up using. So I created this very simple recipe that you don't need to bake, and you don't need a blender or food processor for (because I didn't have that either).

Another super simple recipe I created on that trip was these no bake chewy granola bars. So if you are looking for something to make when you do not have access to a lot of ingredients or a fully equipped kitchen these are both healthy recipes to try!

Ingredients

All you need is three ingredients to make these pistachio balls, however, there is an optional step to add chocolate (aka a fourth ingredient).

• Pistachios are the main source of protein in these energy bites. If you don't have much time it's easier to use pre-shelled pistachios. You can use salted or unsalted nuts. I prefer to use unsalted nuts as I can be aware of how much salt and what quality of salt I am consuming. If you use unsalted pistachios I recommend adding just a tad of salt as it gives a huge flavor boost.
• The oats in these balls are a great source of fiber and also contain protein. You can use quick oats or rolled oats for this recipe. If you use rolled oats I recommend giving them a little pulse in the food processor to make them smaller which benefits the texture.
• Dates, I like to use medjool dates which are larger, darker, sweeter, and caramel-like in flavor. However, if you do not have medjool dates any kind will work!
• Optional: As an extra step, you can melt dark chocolate, and drizzle it over these bites for a delicious treat!

See recipe card for quantities of the ingredients.

Instructions

These photos below will share the simple steps to make this recipe.

1.Chop (or pulse in a blender) pistachios until they are small chunks.

2.In a medium bowl mix the pistachios and oats together. Add the sea salt (skip this step if you are using salted pistachios). Loosely chop the dates into chunks. Add the dates to the pistachio oat mix.

3. Use your hands to knead the dough. There will be crumbs, keep kneading the dough until all the dry nuts and oats are mixed into one dough ball.

4.Using a tablespoon, scoop then roll into about 15 balls.

Dietary Insight

This recipe for the best pistachio balls are vegan, dairy free, and gluten free (as long as you use gluten free oats; oats are gluten free but often contain gluten because of where they are processed). This recipe includes fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbs, giving you lasting energy.

Storage

Store these pistachio balls in an airtight container or bag. They will last in the fridge for 2-3 weeks and up to 3 months in the freezer. These are an awesome treat to have in the freezer and have as a quick go-to snack.

These pistachios balls can be eaten frozen too! Note: if you don't love how sweet dates taste, being frozen reduces the sweet taste!

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

The Best Pistachio Balls (with dates)

Danika Vanderpyl

All you need is 3 ingredients (pistachios, oats, and dates) to make the best pistachio balls! These energy bites are super easy to make, they are healthy for you, and they have 2 grams of protein each.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 15 balls

Calories 127 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ½ cup pistachios without shells
• ½ cup quick oats
• 1 cup pitted dates*
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt

Optional

• ¼ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

 

• Chop (or pulse in a blender) pistachios until they are small chunks.
• In a medium bowl mix the pistachios and oats together. Add the sea salt (skip adding salt if you are using salted pistachios).
• Loosely chop the dates into chunks. Add the dates to the pistachio oat mixture. Use your hands knead the dough. There will be crumbs, keep kneading the dough until all the dry nuts and oats are mixed into one dough ball.
• Using a tablespoon, scoop then roll into about 15 balls.
• Optional Chocolate Drizzle:

  Put boiling water into a wide bowl, and then place the chocolate chips in a small bowl and put that bowl into the hot water (make sure the water doesn’t go into the chocolate bowl, the purpose is to make the chocolate bowl warm). Stir the chocolate chips until they are fully melted. Use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate on top of the pistachio balls.
• Keep the balls in the fridge. In an airtight container in the fridge (for 2-3 weeks) or the freezer (for up to 3 months).

Notes

• *I use about 10-13 medjool dates for this recipe, press the dates lightly in to the measuring cup until you get 1 cup.
• *If your dates are not soft to squish between your fingers, soak the dates in hot water for 5 minutes, drain and then use them.
• These protein balls will stay together at room temperature and work well to bring along to school, the office, road trips, or hiking. However beware of the chocolate drizzle melting on warm days.
• Nutritional information is calculated without chocolate on top.
• Top tip: Buy shelled pistachios, unless you have 5-10 minutes to remove the shells.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 25.2gProtein: 1.9gFat: 2.3g

Keyword Energy Balls, High Protein, No Bake

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