Protein Balls Recipe Vegan: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Snacks

Updated On: October 1, 2025

If you’re on the lookout for a quick, healthy, and delicious snack that packs a punch of protein and is completely plant-based, you’ve come to the right place! These vegan protein balls are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday energy boost, or a pre/post-workout treat.

Combining natural ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, they offer a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber—all without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply wanting to add more wholesome snacks to your diet, this recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

What’s great about these protein balls is their simplicity and adaptability. You can customize flavors based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

Plus, they’re free from refined sugars and artificial additives, which means you’re nourishing your body with every bite. Ready to learn how to whip up these little nutritional powerhouses?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and nutritious: These protein balls combine natural sweetness with a satisfying crunch, making every bite a delightful experience.

Quick and easy to prepare: No baking required! Simply mix, roll, and refrigerate.

Perfect on-the-go snack: Portable and mess-free, they’re ideal for busy days, workouts, or even kid’s lunchboxes.

Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Vegan and clean: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients without any artificial preservatives or additives.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds (for extra protein and omega-3)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
  • 1/3 cup vegan protein powder (pea, rice, or hemp based)
  • 1/4 cup mini dairy-free chocolate chips (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet or tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Refrigerator
  • Food processor (optional, for chopping nuts finely)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: If you prefer a finer texture, pulse the chopped nuts in a food processor for a few seconds. Otherwise, roughly chopped nuts work perfectly for added crunch.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, ground flaxseeds, vegan protein powder, and sea salt. Stir to evenly distribute all components.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
  4. Fold in extras: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and dairy-free chocolate chips if using. This adds texture and sweetness.
  5. Shape the balls: Using your hands, scoop around a tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a tight ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step helps them hold their shape and improves the texture.
  7. Store and enjoy: Keep your protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“Feel free to switch up the nut butter to almond or cashew for different flavor profiles, or try sunflower seed butter if you’re nut-free!”

  • Add superfoods: Mix in chia seeds, hemp seeds, or spirulina powder for an extra nutritional boost.
  • Make them raw: Use raw oats and skip any processing for a completely raw snack option.
  • Flavor twists: Add cinnamon, cocoa powder, or shredded coconut for unique tastes.
  • Fruit additions: Mix in chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for natural sweetness and chewiness.
  • Chocolate coating: Dip finished balls in melted vegan dark chocolate and refrigerate for a decadent treat.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Protein Ball (approx.)
Calories 110 kcal
Protein 5 g
Carbohydrates 12 g
Fat 6 g (mostly healthy fats)
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 5 g (natural sweeteners)

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these protein balls as a quick snack between meals or pack a few in your gym bag for a pre or post-workout energy boost. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or your favorite plant-based milk for a satisfying mini-meal.

For a fun breakfast idea, crumble a protein ball over your vegan yogurt or smoothie bowl for added texture and protein. They can even be served as a small dessert or sweet treat when you need a healthier alternative to processed sweets.

Conclusion

These vegan protein balls are a fantastic way to nourish your body with wholesome, plant-based ingredients while satisfying your sweet tooth and hunger pangs. Their simplicity, versatility, and nutritional benefits make them an excellent addition to any diet—whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just someone who appreciates healthy snacks.

Plus, they’re easy to customize, so you’ll never get bored with the same flavor.

Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other vegan delights like our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

And if you love homemade breads, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to round out your plant-based culinary repertoire.

Enjoy your protein balls and happy snacking!

📖 Recipe Card: Protein Balls Recipe Vegan

Description: A quick and easy vegan protein ball recipe packed with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for a healthy snack or post-workout boost.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M

Servings: 12 balls

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup vegan protein powder
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 tbsp almond milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, protein powder, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, and shredded coconut.
  2. Add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk.
  3. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and form a sticky dough.
  4. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
  5. Roll mixture into 12 equal-sized balls.
  6. Place balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 15 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Protein Balls Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and easy vegan protein ball recipe packed with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for a healthy snack or post-workout boost.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT15M”, “recipeYield”: “12 balls”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup rolled oats”, “1/2 cup natural peanut butter”, “1/4 cup maple syrup”, “1/4 cup vegan protein powder”, “1/4 cup ground flaxseeds”, “1/4 cup dark chocolate chips”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “2 tbsp chia seeds”, “2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut”, “2 tbsp almond milk”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, protein powder, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, and shredded coconut.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir until all ingredients are well combined and form a sticky dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in dark chocolate chips.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll mixture into 12 equal-sized balls.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X