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Easy No-Bake Basil Pesto Energy Bites

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These no-bake energy bites combine fresh basil pesto with nuts, seeds, and natural sweetness for a quick, healthy, and flavorful snack perfect for anytime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 2 small garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 6 large Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Basil Pesto: In a food processor, add fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Pulse a few times to chop.
  2. Stream in Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Process until smooth but still slightly textured (about 1-2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Dates: Pit the Medjool dates and roughly chop them.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. Stir to combine.
  5. Blend Dates and Lemon Juice: Add chopped dates and lemon juice to the food processor. Pulse until the dates form a sticky paste. Add a teaspoon of water if needed to help blend.
  6. Mix Everything Together: Add the date paste and about 3 tablespoons of the basil pesto to the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is coated and sticking together. Add more pesto or a splash of water if mixture is too dry.
  7. Shape the Energy Bites: Using your hands, scoop about a tablespoon (15 ml) of the mixture and roll into tight balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the energy bites for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  9. Serve or Store: Once chilled, enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes

Use fresh basil for best flavor. If dates are dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before use. Pulse ingredients to maintain texture, avoid overblending. Chill bites to help them hold together. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and add nutritional yeast. Nut-free version can substitute almonds with more sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Store refrigerated up to one week or freeze up to three months.

Nutrition

Keywords: basil pesto, energy bites, no-bake, healthy snack, nuts, seeds, Medjool dates, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://avabake.com/easy-no-bake-basil-pesto-energy-bites-recipe-for-a-healthy-boost/