Bright & Energizing Lemon Protein Balls (40 Calories Each!)

Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Absolutely Addictive

Oh my sweet friends… this recipe was born out of one of those moments.

You know the ones.

I was standing in the kitchen, craving something sweet. I almost reached for chocolate. Almost. Instead, I decided to make something bright, fresh, and energizing.

And let me tell you — these Lemon Protein Balls disappeared before I could blink. My boyfriend ate three in under a minute and said, “Wait… these are healthy?!”

Yes. Yes, they are.

Each ball is only 40 calories, packed with 2.4g of protein, completely vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.

They taste like sunshine. And they’re ready in minutes.

If you love healthy snacks that feel indulgent but fuel your body, you’re about to fall in love.

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Overview of Lemon Protein Balls

What Are Lemon Protein Balls?

These are no-bake, bite-sized energy balls made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, plant-based protein powder, and fresh lemon zest. They’re naturally sweetened and require zero oven time.

Perfect for:

• Post-workout snacks
• Afternoon energy boosts
• Healthy dessert cravings
• Meal prep
• Lunchbox treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 40 calories per ball
• 2.4g protein each
• Naturally sweetened
• No refined sugar
• No baking required
• Freezer-friendly
• Ready in 10 minutes

They’re soft, slightly chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth citrusy.

Full Ingredient List (Makes 20 Balls)

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Here’s everything you need:

• 1 cup almond flour (fine, blanched)
• ½ cup vanilla plant-based protein powder
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1–2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (as needed)
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes

Almond Flour:
Gives structure and soft texture. Use fine almond flour, not almond meal.

Protein Powder:
Choose a good-quality vanilla plant protein for best flavor.

Fresh Lemon Zest:
This is where the magic happens. Always zest before juicing.

Coconut Oil:
Helps firm up balls when chilled.

Maple Syrup:
Natural sweetness that complements lemon beautifully.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Zester
• Cookie scoop
• Airtight container

How to Make Lemon Protein Balls

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Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix:

• Almond flour
• Protein powder
• Shredded coconut
• Salt

Stir well.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add:

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Maple syrup
• Melted coconut oil

Mix until crumbly.

Step 3: Adjust Texture

If mixture feels dry, add almond milk 1 tablespoon at a time until dough holds together when pressed.

Step 4: Roll Into Balls

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture.

Roll into balls using your hands.

Place on parchment-lined tray.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate 20–30 minutes until firm.

That’s it. No baking. No fuss.

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine:

• A lemon bar without the sugar crash
• A soft cookie dough bite
• Bright citrus with subtle vanilla

They’re lightly sweet, refreshing, and totally satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Protein Balls

• Use fresh lemon zest (never bottled juice alone)
• Taste mixture before rolling — adjust sweetness
• Chill before serving for best texture
• Roll in extra shredded coconut for presentation
• Store chilled for firmness

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Store in airtight container up to 1 week.

Freezer:
Freeze up to 2 months.

They thaw in minutes!

Nutritional Information (Per Ball)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	40
Protein	2.4g
Carbohydrates	4g
Sugar	2g
Fat	2.5g
Fiber	1g

Perfect for macro-conscious snackers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whey protein?
Yes, but texture may be slightly softer.

Can I make them keto?
Use monk fruit syrup instead of maple syrup.

Can I skip coconut?
Yes, replace with extra almond flour.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — they disappear fast!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• No Bake Protein Balls: https://poulef.com/no-bake-protein-balls
• Protein Cottage Cheese Brownies: https://poulef.com/protein-cottage-cheese-brownies
• High Protein Ice Cream: https://poulef.com/high-protein-ice-cream
• Healthy Lemon Loaf: https://poulef.com/healthy-lemon-loaf
• 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: https://poulef.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-cookies

Interactive Pinterest Section

Save this Lemon Protein Balls recipe on Pinterest so you don’t lose it:

https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Comment below:

• Did you add extra zest?
• Did you roll them in coconut?
• Are you team lemon or chocolate snacks?

Tag me on Pinterest — I love seeing your creations!

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