Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I remember the first time I made these protein balls. It was a hectic Monday morning, and I needed something quick, healthy, and energizing for my week. I wanted a recipe that my kids could snack on without feeling guilty, and that I could prep ahead of time. That’s when I experimented with a mix of oats, nut butter, protein powder, and a touch of sweetness. The result? Delicious little bites that I now make almost every week for meal prep. This Protein Balls Recipe for Meal Prep is a game-changer if you want something healthy, filling, and super convenient.
These protein balls aren’t just for fitness enthusiasts. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone who loves quick, tasty snacks, this recipe fits perfectly into your life. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to have the ideal texture soft enough to enjoy right away, but firm enough to store for the week. I always make sure to include my secret ingredient a pinch of sea salt which balances the sweetness and makes them irresistible.
I love making this recipe because it’s flexible. You can switch up the nut butter, add chocolate chips, or even toss in dried fruits. It’s a canvas for creativity. Over the years, I’ve had friends and family rave about how addictive they are, and honestly, they disappear faster than I can store them!
Why I Love Making This Recipe
What I love most about this Protein Balls Recipe for Meal Prep is that it combines nutrition with convenience. Life can get busy, and having these protein-packed snacks ready in the fridge saves me so much time. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, a mid-morning pick-me-up, or even a post-workout bite.
I also adore the ritual of making them. Mixing the ingredients by hand, rolling them into neat little balls, and arranging them on a tray gives me a quiet, mindful moment in my day. And the smell! Nut butter and oats together create this warm, comforting aroma that instantly makes me feel at home in my kitchen.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for about 12–15 protein balls:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2–3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based) if needed to bind
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Toast the oats lightly in a pan for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes before rolling; it makes the balls less sticky.
- You can coat them in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts for extra texture and fun.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In a large bowl, mix the oats, protein powder, chocolate chips, and pinch of sea salt.
- Add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spatula until the mixture begins to come together.
- If the dough is too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a sticky but manageable consistency.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes to firm it up.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter, using your hands.
- Optional: Roll the balls in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts for variety.
- Place the balls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be stored for up to 7 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
How I Serve It at Home
I usually serve these Protein Balls for Meal Prep straight from the fridge as a quick breakfast or snack. Sometimes I pack two or three in a small container for my kids’ lunchboxes. They’re perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or even as a post-workout refuel. I love pairing them with fresh fruit or a smoothie for a balanced, satisfying snack.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- No reheating is needed; they taste best chilled.
- For added flavor, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the top before refrigerating.
100-Word Short Version
This Protein Balls Recipe for Meal Prep is quick, nutritious, and perfect for busy days. Mix rolled oats, protein powder, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Chill for 10 minutes, roll into balls, and optionally coat in cocoa powder, coconut, or nuts. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer. These protein balls are ideal as breakfast, snacks, or post-workout treats. They’re simple, delicious, and full of energy to fuel your day. A little homemade magic in every bite!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chill: 10 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>1 cup rolled oats</li> <li>1/2 cup natural peanut butter</li> <li>1/4 cup honey or maple syrup</li> <li>1/2 cup vanilla protein powder</li> <li>1/4 cup mini chocolate chips</li> <li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li>Pinch of sea salt</li> <li>2–3 tbsp milk if needed</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Mix oats, protein powder, chocolate chips, and salt in a large bowl.</li> <li>Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.</li> <li>Add milk if needed to bind the mixture.</li> <li>Chill dough for 10 minutes.</li> <li>Roll into 1–1.5 inch balls.</li> <li>Optional: coat in coconut, cocoa powder, or nuts.</li> <li>Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Toast oats lightly for extra flavor.
- Dough can be sticky chill before rolling.
- Freeze for long-term storage.
- Experiment with nut butters and toppings.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 ball
Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Carbs: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 6 g
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Protein Balls Recipe for Meal Prep
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12–15 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Protein Balls Recipe for Meal Prep is quick, healthy, and delicious. Packed with oats, peanut butter, protein powder, and a touch of sweetness, these protein balls are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout bites. Easy to make, customizable, and ideal for meal prep, they keep you energized throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2–3 tbsp milk if needed
Instructions
- Mix oats, protein powder, chocolate chips, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Add milk if needed to bind the mixture.
- Chill dough for 10 minutes.
- Roll into 1–1.5 inch balls.
- Optional: coat in coconut, cocoa powder, or nuts.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Toast oats lightly for extra flavor. Chill dough before rolling to prevent sticking. Freeze for long-term storage. Experiment with different nut butters and toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
I hope you fall in love with this Protein Balls Recipe for Meal Prep as much as I have. It’s more than just a snack it’s a little ritual of self-care, a way to fuel your week, and a simple joy you can share with your family. Cooking is about making life easier, tastier, and a bit more magical, and these protein balls do exactly that. Try them, tweak them, and enjoy the satisfaction of having healthy, homemade snacks ready whenever you need them.