These easy No Bake Pistachio Protein Balls are perfect! Made with almond flour, pistachios and protein powder, they are a great on-the-go snack or post-workout treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, these protein energy balls are also low carb, gluten free and diabetic-friendly.
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Want more pistachio flavor? These Low Carb Pistachio Snowball Cookies are made without sugar. They have the same nutty flavor and powdered coating as classic snowballs but use pistachios and almond flour, plus a sugar-free sweetener.
Looking for delicious ways to boost your protein intake? These pistachio protein balls are just the start! Check out some of these other tasty, high protein recipes:
Why you'll love these pistachio protein balls
- Low Carb: Perfect for keto or low-carb diets, with only 2 net carbs per serving.
- Diabetes-Friendly: Made with diabetic-friendly ingredients that won't spike blood sugar.
- Gluten-Free: Completely gluten-free thanks to almond flour and gluten-free ingredients.
- Easy: Whip up a batch with minimal prep time and simple steps.
- Packed with Protein: Each protein ball delivers 6 grams of protein for a satisfying, nutrient-dense snack.
- Loaded with Pistachios: Packed with nutrient-dense pistachios for flavor and crunch.
The perfect balance of sweet and salty will send your senses into euphoria.
Ingredients you'll need
Each ingredient serves a purpose, from providing structure and texture to contributing flavor, nutrition, and making this recipe suitable for various dietary needs.
- Almond flour: This low-carb, gluten-free flour provides a great base for the balls, adding moisture, texture, and healthy fats.
- Pistachios: Not only do pistachios give these balls their delicious flavor and green color, but they also contribute healthy fats, protein, fiber, and a wonderful crunch.
- Protein powder: A high-quality low carb protein powder boosts the protein content significantly, making these balls a nutrient-dense snack or treat.
- Lakanto maple flavored syrup: This sugar free syrup adds sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels, keeping the recipe low-carb and diabetes-friendly.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil helps bind the ingredients together while providing healthy fats that promote satiety.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing the sweetness and nuttiness.
- Pistachio pudding mix (optional): If included, this ingredient amplifies the pistachio flavor, adding an extra punch of nuttiness. Alternatively, you can use Keto Chose Pistachio or choose to go without adding this ingredient.
- Green natural food coloring (optional): 1 drop can be added to enhance the green color of the protein balls if desired.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Best protein powders to use in this recipe
- Prime Protein by Equip - one of the best choice for diabetics, providing 25 grams of protein, 130 calories, 3 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of sugar per serving, making it a clean, sugar-free, and easily digestible option that supports blood sugar management and overall health.
- Transparent Labs Grass Fed Whey Vanilla: This grass-fed whey protein isolate provides 28 grams of protein per 120-calorie serving, with 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 gram of sugar.
- Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder: This plant-based protein powder has 21 grams of protein, 150 calories, 4 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fiber, and no sugar per serving.
Steps by step instructions
How to make no bake pistachio energy balls?
- Step 1: Add all ingredients (except the pistachios for rolling) in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Mix all the ingredients together until well incorporated and a thick, dough-like texture forms.
- Step 3: Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them between your palms to form 1-inch balls.
- Step 4: In a shallow bowl, place the remaining ½ cup of pistachios that have been finely chopped or crushed. Roll each protein ball in the crushed pistachios until fully coated on all sides.
Once all the balls are coated, you can refrigerate them for at least 60 minutes to allow them to firm up before enjoying. These easy, no-bake protein balls are now ready to satisfy your cravings!
Top Tip
To make these protein balls even more portable, you can place them in mini cupcake liners or muffin tin wells after rolling. This way they'll hold their shape perfectly when packing them to take on-the-go.
Optional ingredients
While the base recipe for these protein-packed pistachio balls is delicious on its own, you can easily customize them with a few optional add-ins:
- Sugar Free Pistachio Pudding Mix: For an extra punch of pistachio flavor, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar-free pistachio pudding mix or Pistachio Keto Chow.
- Green Food Coloring: Want to enhance the green hue? Add just 1 drop of natural green food coloring.
- Chocolate Chips or Cacao Nibs: Fold in 2-3 tablespoons of sugar-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a chocolate-pistachio twist.
- Crystallized Ginger: Finely chop 2-3 tablespoons of crystallized ginger and mix it into the dough for a zingy flavor boost.
- Spices: Experiment with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra depth of flavor.
Feel free to get creative and make these protein balls your own with different mix-in combinations! Just be mindful of any added carbs or sugars when customizing.
Storage
For optimal freshness and texture, it's best to store the pistachio protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chilled temperature helps them hold their shape and prevents the healthy fats from going rancid too quickly.
Refrigerator: Place the balls in a single layer or stack them with parchment or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: These protein balls also freeze beautifully! After rolling, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for 2-3 months frozen. You can grab a couple balls at a time to thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Room Temperature: If you'll be eating the whole batch within 3-4 days, you can store them covered at cool room temperature. However, refrigeration is recommended for longer term storage to maintain freshness.
No matter which storage method you choose, be sure to always let the protein balls come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture. A little planning ahead ensures you always have a nutritious snack on hand!
Frequently asked questions
Since these are nutrient-dense, 2-3 protein balls make a reasonable serving size to enjoy as a snack or healthy dessert. The exact number can vary based on your dietary needs and calorie goals.
Absolutely! You can substitute an equal amount of any other nuts or nut butters you prefer like almonds, cashews, pecans, etc. The pistachio flavor will change, but they'll still be delicious high-protein snacks.
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Recipe Card
No Bake Pistachio Protein Balls
Instructional Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup pistachios crushed or finely chopped
- 1 scoop low carb vanilla protein powder - Get 15% OFF 2.5 tbsp
- ¼ cup lakanto maple flavored syrup
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- ½ cup pistachios crushed or finely chopped
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Simply Desserts sugar free pistachio pudding mix see optional ingredients in the post above
- 1 drop green food coloring see optional ingredients in the post above
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (except the ½ cup of pistachios for rolling) until a dough forms. Add the optional ingredients if using. You'll want to use a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon here.1 cup almond flour, ¼ cup pistachios, 1 scoop low carb vanilla protein powder - Get 15% OFF, ¼ cup lakanto maple flavored syrup, 3 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll balls in crushed pistachios to coat and place on parchment-lined dish.½ cup pistachios
- Once all the balls are coated, you can refrigerate them for at least 60 minutes to allow them to firm up before enjoying.
- See the recipe video above for more detailed instructions.
Notes
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Meal Prep Recipes!
Discover simple and delicious meal prep ideas tailored for a diabetic-friendly, low-carb lifestyle.
Maggie says
I added a tbsp of cocoa powder also, these are amazing to snack on. Thanks for sharing the recipe
Oscar Chimenti says
You're welcome, love these protein balls.
JC says
You have unlocked a new addiction... these were SO amazing! Thanks for the recipe - i'm adding into my rotation!