Looking for a quick, delicious snack that is both nutritious and easy to make? These lime and pistachio energy balls are just the thing.
With only five simple ingredients, they are perfect for quick and easy snacking. What’s more, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from refined sugar.
Whether you need a post-workout pick-me-up, a mid-afternoon energy boost or an easy snack to give to the kids, these energy balls fit the bill.
They are less than 150 calories per ball so are a guilt-free treat too.
Do you need a food processor to make energy balls
Ideally yes. The dates and the nuts need to be blended very finely for the best energy ball texture. You can try using a blender for this, but you risk breaking the blender. They are generally not powerful enough for this.
What ingredients do you need to make lime & pistachio energy balls:
- Pistachios
- Medjool dates
- Cashews
- Desiccated coconut
- Lime zest & juice
Pistachios
These little green nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. They also contain a range of antioxidants including vitamin E and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. And the vibrant green colour is always a bonus too!
Medjool dates
One of my favourite ingredients in sweet treats! They are naturally sweet and more importantly, high in dietary fibre. Dates are also a good source of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper. They are a great binder too, without the need to add in oils or cheaper binging ingredients. So in short, my preferred source of sugar in my recipes.
Desiccated coconut
Coconut is rich in healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly absorbed by the body and used as an immediate source of energy. It’s also high in fibre and minerals such as manganese. Coconut also adds a really nice extra sweetness to these energy balls.
Cashew nuts
One of my favourite nuts to blend in energy balls as they as quite soft. Cashews are packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Cashews are particularly rich in copper and magnesium. In this recipe, they add a creamy texture to the energy balls and a really nice boost of fat and protein to keep you full.
Lime juice
This is the star ingredient really. Not only does it provide a great, zingy flavour but it’s packed with vitamin C too. Adding the zest, as well as the juice, really adds to the lime taste. The citrus flavour really cuts through the richness of the nuts and dates.
Easy to make
You simply add the 5 ingredients to a food processor and blitz until smooth and sticky. Once blended you can either dip in more coconut or some chopped pistachios. They are honestly delicious either way.
Storage and shelf life
Once you’ve rolled the mixture into balls, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep fresh for about a week. They can be frozen too and will last for 3 months in the freezer.
Try them for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments.
Recipe Tips
- I don’t add maple syrup, or any additional sweetener, to my energy balls as I think the dates are sweet enough. If you have a particularly sweet tooth, feel free to add a tbsp or two of maple syrup as you blend.
- They are ready to eat straightaway, after you have blended. However, I prefer to put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to harden up slightly – but up to you!
- I don’t pre-soak my dates before using – I like to use soft, medjool dates instead. But if your dates are hard, you can of course, soak them in boiling water for 20-30 minutes and drain before using. Although my preferred (and quicker!) approach is just to add a little water as you blend.
- Easy swaps – lemon for lime juice. Any nuts like pecans or almonds for the cashew nuts.
If you liked these Lime & pistachio energy balls, why not try:
Lime & Pistachio Energy Balls
Equipment
- Magimix food processor *affiliate link
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews (140g)
- ½ cup shelled, unsalted pistachios (70g)
- 1 cup desiccated coconut (100g)
- 1½ cups soft medjool dates pitted (225g)
- Zest & juice of 2 limes about 3 tbsp juice
Instructions
- To make the balls, add everything to a food processor and blitz for a couple of minutes. It should be gooey and soft with no large nut pieces remaining. If your dates are hard, then try adding a little water (or more lime juice) as you blend.
- Divide the mixture into 15 pieces. Roll into balls and roll in a bit more coconut or some chopped pistachios. Refrigerate to harden slightly.
Notes
- These balls will keep for about a week in a sealed tub in the fridge. They are freezable too.
- I don’t add maple syrup or any additional sweetener to my energy balls as I think the dates are sweet enough. However, if you have a particularly sweet tooth then feel free to add a tbsp or two of maple syrup.
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