Mediterranean Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

These Mediterranean Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites have a soft and chewy texture. We prepare these energy bites with rolled oats, Medjool dates, pistachios, cranberries, almond butter, chia seeds, flaxseed, olive oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and sea salt. These energy bites contain approximately 14 g net carbs and 145 calories. We make these energy bites in just 15 minutes. These Mediterranean Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites are ideal for breakfast, healthy snacking, post-workout recovery, lunchboxes, road trips, hiking, picnics, and afternoon energy boosts. We refrigerate these energy bites for 2 weeks and freeze them for nearly 3 months, so you can prepare a batch earlier. You can serve these energy bites with Greek Yogurt, Fresh Fruit Salad, Green Tea, Overnight Oats, or Chia Pudding.

STATS:

• Course: Snack, Healthy Dessert, Breakfast
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Calories: 145 Kcal
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Servings: 18 energy bites
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Portion Size: 1 energy bite
• Cooking Method: No-Bake
• Difficulty Level: Easy

TOOLS:

• Food processor
• Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Sheet
• Baking paper
• Airtight container

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cups rolled oats
• 1 cup Medjool dates
• ½ cup shelled pistachios
• ⅓ cup cranberries
• ¼ cup natural almond butter
• Two tbsp. chia seeds
• One tbsp. flaxseed
• One tbsp. olive oil
• One tsp. vanilla extract
• One tsp. cinnamon
• Half tsp. orange zest
• One-fourth tsp. sea salt
• 1–2 tablespoons water

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

ROLLED OATS:

• Rolled oats will provide fiber, structure, and a chewy texture to these energy bites. You can also use quick oats or certified gluten-free oats.

PISTACHIOS:

• Pistachios will add healthy fats, protein, and a delicious crunchy texture.

DRIED CRANBERRIES:

• Dried cranberries will give these bites a chewy texture and a naturally sweet-tart flavor. Alternatively, you can use dried cherries, raisins, dried blueberries, or chopped dried apricots.

ALMOND BUTTER:

• Almond butter will help bind the mixture while adding creaminess and healthy fats.

GROUND FLAXSEED:

• Ground flaxseed will boost the fiber and healthy fat content of these energy bites.

OLIVE OIL:

• Olive oil will add heart-healthy Mediterranean fats and improve the texture. Alternatively, you can use avocado oil or a little extra almond butter.

ORANGE ZEST:

• Orange zest will provide a fresh citrus aroma and brighten the flavor. Instead, you can use lemon zest.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. First, make the coarse flour of rolled oats in the food processor.
2. Include dates, almond butter, olive oil, vanilla, cinnamon, orange zest, and sea salt, then blend well to make a sticky dough.
3. Add pistachios, flaxseed, cranberries, and chia seeds, then pulse but leave small chunks.
4. You may include one tbsp water at a time if you feel the mixture is dry.
5. Make balls by taking one tbsp of the mixture and putting the bites in the lined tray.
6. Lastly, chill the energy bites for at least 30 minutes, then serve.

TIPS:

• We utilize soft Medjool dates so they will blend easily.
• Gently toast the pistachios for additional flavor.
• Gently wet your hands during rolling to avoid sticking.
• Include a small amount of cardamom for additional Mediterranean flavor.
• We coat the bites with chopped pistachios to get a decorative finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

BREAKFAST PAIRINGS:

• Greek Yogurt with Honey
• Fresh Fruit Salad
• Overnight Oats
• Whole-Grain Toast with Almond Butter
• Chia Pudding

HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS:

• Apple Slices
• Pear Wedges
• Mixed Nuts
• Fresh Grapes
• Carrot and Cucumber Sticks

BEVERAGE PAIRINGS:

• Green Tea
• Herbal Chamomile Tea
• Fresh Mint Tea
• Black Coffee
• Iced Matcha Latte

MEDITERRANEAN BRUNCH SPREAD:

• Hummus with Whole-Grain Crackers
• Cottage Cheese with Fresh Herbs
• Olive and Cucumber Salad
• Roasted Red Pepper Dip
• Stuffed Grape Leaves

DESSERT PAIRINGS:

• Fresh Mixed Berries
• Dark Chocolate Squares
• Greek Yogurt Parfait
• Baked Cinnamon Apples
• Orange Slices with Cinnamon

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put these energy bites in a closed box and store them for fourteen days.

FREEZER:

• Store these energy bites for more than eighty-five to ninety days.

FAQs:

May we prepare these energy bites without gluten-free?

• Yes, you can use non-gluten rolled oats.

Will we prepare these energy bites nut-free?

• Yes, you can use sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds as a different option for almond butter and pistachios.

Could we include protein powder?

• Yes, you can include a small amount of additional almond butter and whisk in two tbsp. of protein powder.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

Serving Size: 1 energy bite

Calories: 145 kcal

Total Carbs: 17 g

Net Carbs: 14 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 9 g

Fat: 8 g

Protein: 3 g

Sodium: 40 mg