No-Bake Dragon Fruit & Almond Chia Protein Energy Balls
Hello & good afternoon!
It is humid and hot outside right now, so I feel like it’s an excellent time to relax inside with the air conditioner and blog a new recipe. I’m feeling so good right now because I managed to complete two four-mile runs this week. Sometimes I feel happy to be back running that I could cry. I never thought my body would let me run again, but here I am running four-miles! Two months ago, I could barely run one.
During the week, I like to make easy energy snacks to keep in the fridge to eat before a run. I like food that packs a lot of calories without all the density. It helps me feel lighter when I run but keeps me fueled longer. I decided to make these no-bake dragon fruit & almond chia balls yesterday morning before heading to my dentist appointment. I wanted something soft to eat after getting a cleaning, but something that would help me fuel for the afternoon run. These turned out to be delicious, and I’m kind of obsessed with the color! Dragon fruit may not pack a lot of flavors, but it sure does pack some gorgeous color along with its nutrients. 
These dragon fruit & chia almond protein energy balls require no baking and only use seven simple ingredients. Like most of my recipes, you can make all kinds of ingredient swaps to fit your needs, or to save you a trip to the grocery store.
The great thing about these no-bake energy balls is that they take less than fifteen minutes to make, and are perfect for on-the-go snacks! And if you have kiddos that are pink-obsessed, these would be so fun to sneak into their lunches or last-minute breakfasts. If my mom had given me pink green beans as a kid, I probably would have eaten them. Pink has a magical way of making anything taste good.
Also, don’t these look like the Hostess Snoballs?
INGREDIENTS:
VANILLA PROTEIN POWDER PLANT-BASED
I also use a delicious vanilla plant-based protein powder. You could get away with using chocolate protein in this recipe as well! Don’t expect to get the cute pink color, but it will still taste good. I’ve been using Rawfusion Protein Powder lately.
CHIA SEEDS
Great source of fiber, healthy fats, protein, magnesium, iron, and calcium.
VEGAN CHOCOLATE CHIPS
The chocolate chips are optional, but I think chocolate chips make everything taste better. I used Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips.
DRAGON FRUIT
You can use fresh dragon fruit, but I took the easy way out and bought the Dragon Fruit Pitaya Plus frozen packets at Whole Foods. I’ve been using these for my smoothie bowls in the afternoon, and I love how pink they turn out! PS, my new favorite color is Pitaya. Why use dragon fruit? Excellent source of fiber and magnesium, and active enzymes.
DATES
Dates are my favorite pre and post workout treat. The natural sugars are great for replenishing muscles and helping my blood sugar levels return to normal. I find that they are the best for post-run recovery for me. They are rich with antioxidants, fiber, and potassium.
ALMONDS
Almonds are a great fat source, high in potassium and iron, rich with magnesium, high fiber, and calcium. They are also an excellent source for lowering cholesterol (*cough*HEY DAD, ARE YOU READING THIS?? 👋)
UNSWEETENED COCONUT
Coconut is a great fat and fiber source, rich with protein, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C.
ALMOND EXTRACT
This ingredient is optional. I would almond extract to every recipe if I could because I love it so much. If you wanted, you could use lemon, cinnamon, vanilla, or any flavor of your choice! 
Next time, I’m going to try adding cranberries, lemon, and white chocolate chips to this recipe!
No-Bake Dragon Fruit & Chia Almond Energy Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 Cups Raw Almonds
- 5 Large Dates (pitted)
- 1/2 Cup Vanilla Protein Powder
- 3 Tbsps Chia Seeds
- 1 Cup Dragon Fruit Juice (i bought freezer packs & defrosted)
- 1 Tsp Almond Extract
- 1/3 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Enjoy Life Brand)
- 1/3 Cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
Instructions
- Add almonds and dates to a food processor. Chop until all of the almonds and dates are combined. Adding a tablespoon of water can help!
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped almonds and the dates with the chia seeds, and protein powder.
- Mix the cup of dragon fruit juice with the almond extract. Add the juice to the mixing bowl and combine with a spoon. (using your hands will result in pink hands) The mixture should resemble a cookie dough texture. If it's too dry, add in a tablespoon of water. If it's too liquidy, add in more protein powder or a tablespoon of coconut flour.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Form the mixture into tablespoon sized balls and roll the ball in a bowl of shredded coconut for the coating.
- Best when stored in the refrigerator!
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Make sure to tag me in your pink pics if you make this one 😊
By the way, the winner from the Brunswick Islands post has been announced! —-> check the comment section to see if you won! And no worries, I have a ton of fun giveaways planned for this summer.
Questions for you!
- Have you had a Starbucks pink drink and should I try it? (if I get enough requests, I’ll try it today!!)
- What color should my next ball recipe be?
- Have you hit a goal you’ve been proud of lately?
I’ve been obsessed with dragonfruit for the longest time – I’m lucky it’s abundant and cheap in Hong Kong – so this is great! Looks so yummy! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Ohhhh Hope you make this recipe!! xo
I will definitely have to try making these! Thank you!
I have not tried the pink drink from Starbucks. If you do, can’t wait to hear about it!
Now that you did pink, you totally have to do a purple energy ball recipe.
I started teaching the last six yoga classes (it’s like a practicum) that we have to lead before I officially graduating and getting my yoga teacher certificate. Woohoo!
Hi, Amanda! I hope you enjoy them!!
I’m going to try the pink drink today! haha
Congrats on your journey to becoming a yoga instructor that is amazing! ♥️ Very proud of you!
Hi! These look so yummy, how many calories are in each ball?
Hi, Stacy!
I didn’t do the calories for these, but if you want the info, you can enter the ingredients into a calorie calculator! 😊 My Fitness Pal has a great one.
Oh my goshh!! These look awesome! Love this idea 😄
Thanks, Brittany!!
Question: how many of those frozen packs did you use to make 1 cup? They’re 3.5oz each and 8oz is 1 cup. So did you use 2 whole packs and a portion of a 3rd? I want to know how much to defrost.
I used two packets and then a small amount of water to make it reach one cup!:)
I’m obsessed with almond extract as well – I always add it to my pancake batter.
ohhh never thought to add it to pancake batter!
I haven’t tried this, but do you think peanuts would work well with this recipe? I’m allergic to all tree nuts (which I’ve found makes a vegan diet very difficult – so many recipes use almonds and cashews). Do you have any tips on making substitutions in recipes that call for tree nuts?
Yes I think they would for sure!! 😃