Plant-Based Archives - A Spicy Perspective https://www.aspicyperspective.com/category/healthy-2/plant-based/ Easy Gourmet Recipes and Spicy Conversation. Get a fresh take on comfort food, healthy meals, approachable ethnic cuisine, and well as family travel destinations. Sat, 15 Feb 2025 20:09:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 Creamy Tahini Dressing https://www.aspicyperspective.com/creamy-tahini-dressing/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/creamy-tahini-dressing/#comments Mon, 17 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=167692 Easy Tahini Dressing Recipe — This creamy and delicious lemon tahini salad dressing tastes similar to a traditional Caesar dressing but is a lighter option that’s completely dairy-free and vegetarian. It’s perfect for drizzling onto fresh greens or using as a rich dipping sauce! Why We Love This Tahini Dressing Recipe We are totally obsessed […]]]>

Easy Tahini Dressing Recipe — This creamy and delicious lemon tahini salad dressing tastes similar to a traditional Caesar dressing but is a lighter option that’s completely dairy-free and vegetarian. It’s perfect for drizzling onto fresh greens or using as a rich dipping sauce!

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Rustic Red Lentil Soup https://www.aspicyperspective.com/rustic-red-lentil-soup/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/rustic-red-lentil-soup/#comments Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=167491 Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe – This rustic soup is brimming with tender red lentils, chopped sweet carrots, and fire-roasted tomatoes in a savory tomato broth. It’s a cozy, nourishing, delicious vegetarian (and vegan) soup that’s ready to serve in less than an hour! Why We Love Easy This Red Lentil Soup Recipe We are […]]]>

Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe – This rustic soup is brimming with tender red lentils, chopped sweet carrots, and fire-roasted tomatoes in a savory tomato broth. It’s a cozy, nourishing, delicious vegetarian (and vegan) soup that’s ready to serve in less than an hour!

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Veggie Enchiladas https://www.aspicyperspective.com/veggie-enchiladas/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/veggie-enchiladas/#comments Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=166843 Best Vegetarian Enchiladas Recipe – These wholesome and hearty enchiladas are loaded with sauteed veggies, then covered in homemade verde sauce and lots of melty cheese. It’s an easy dish to customize and perfect to serve with your favorite Mexican sides. Why We Love This Veggie Enchiladas Recipe These healthy(ish) Veggie-Filled Vegetarian Enchiladas are a […]]]>

Best Vegetarian Enchiladas Recipe – These wholesome and hearty enchiladas are loaded with sauteed veggies, then covered in homemade verde sauce and lots of melty cheese. It’s an easy dish to customize and perfect to serve with your favorite Mexican sides.

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Roasted Tomato Salsa https://www.aspicyperspective.com/roasted-salsa/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/roasted-salsa/#respond Sat, 11 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=166136 Easy Roasted Tomato Salsa – Our homemade salsa recipe shows you step-by-step how to roast and blend a handful of wholesome, fresh ingredients to make a refreshing and flavorful dip. This salsa is simple but brimming with lots of bold, spicy, and smoky flavors! Why We Love This Roasted Salsa Recipe We love our fresh […]]]>

Easy Roasted Tomato Salsa – Our homemade salsa recipe shows you step-by-step how to roast and blend a handful of wholesome, fresh ingredients to make a refreshing and flavorful dip. This salsa is simple but brimming with lots of bold, spicy, and smoky flavors!

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Homemade Pico de Gallo https://www.aspicyperspective.com/homemade-pico-de-gallo/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/homemade-pico-de-gallo/#comments Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=166107 How to Make Pico de Gallo – This homemade pico de gallo recipe includes a perky combination of fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapeño and cilantro. It’s a slightly spicy and wholly delicious chunky salsa dip that’s delicious to scoop with chips and add to your favorite Mexican dishes! Why We Love This Pico de Gallo Recipe […]]]>

How to Make Pico de Gallo – This homemade pico de gallo recipe includes a perky combination of fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapeño and cilantro. It’s a slightly spicy and wholly delicious chunky salsa dip that’s delicious to scoop with chips and add to your favorite Mexican dishes!

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Easy Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower https://www.aspicyperspective.com/easy-roasted-broccoli-and-cauliflower/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/easy-roasted-broccoli-and-cauliflower/#comments Mon, 06 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=166077 Best Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower – This easy recipe shows you step-by-step how to roast cauliflower and broccoli so they’re perfectly tender and delicious. Add a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning and parmesan cheese for an extra satisfying veggie side dish! Why We Love This Easy Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli Recipe Looking for a simple, […]]]>

Best Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower – This easy recipe shows you step-by-step how to roast cauliflower and broccoli so they’re perfectly tender and delicious. Add a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning and parmesan cheese for an extra satisfying veggie side dish!

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Energy Balls Recipe (Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls) https://www.aspicyperspective.com/energy-balls-recipe-peanut-butter-oatmeal-balls/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/energy-balls-recipe-peanut-butter-oatmeal-balls/#respond Wed, 01 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=165925 Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls – These delicious and nutritious no-bake energy bites are easy to make with nut butter, oats, raisins, and chocolate chips. They taste like a decadent oatmeal raisin cookie, but this customizable recipe is totally dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free! Why We Love This Easy Energy Balls Recipe Need some pep – […]]]>

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls – These delicious and nutritious no-bake energy bites are easy to make with nut butter, oats, raisins, and chocolate chips. They taste like a decadent oatmeal raisin cookie, but this customizable recipe is totally dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free!

White bowl brimming with oatmeal energy balls that are speckled with peanut butter chocolate chips and raisins.

Why We Love This Easy Energy Balls Recipe

Need some pep – and fast? Pop one or two protein-rich and totally plant-based energy balls for a tasty snack to jumpstart your morning or afternoon!

We’ve loaded these No-Bake Energy Balls with all of the best oatmeal cookie must-haves, like raisins and chocolate chips, so you get a ‘lil sweet indulgence in your treat. But while they taste nearly identical to your favorite classic cookies, this energy balls recipe is completely gluten-free, dairy free, and easy to make vegan.

To balance the sweetness of the chocolate, we also include heart-healthy extra add-ins like flaxseed, shredded coconut, and nut butter. However, you can easily customize our peanut butter oatmeal balls recipe by swapping or adding all kinds of different mix-ins.

Whatever ingredients you choose, these raw energy balls take barely any energy to make! Simply add most ingredients to a food processor, give it a whirl, stir in some goodies, and shape the balls. (Kids especially love to help with rolling the dough!) They are ready to enjoy in as little as 20 minutes, and are great to prep in a large batch to keep on hand for quick morning snacks, post-workout boosts, healthier lunchbox treats, or as an anytime pick-me-up!

Top down view white bowl brimming with oatmeal energy balls that are speckled with peanut butter, chocolate chips and raisins.

Ingredients You Need

  • Oats – quick rolled are best, but old-fashioned oats will also work well
  • Flax seeds – use whole seeds to grind by hand, or purchase ground flaxseed to skip a step
  • Shredded coconut – raw and unsweetened
  • Nut butter – your choice of peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower butter for a nut-free energy balls recipe
  • Vanilla extract – use a good quality extract for the best taste
  • Spices – ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and salt
  • Maple syrup – use real pure maple syrup, not a pancake syrup blend
  • Raisins – optional
  • Chocolate chips – vegan, your choice of semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips
Processing flax seeds in a food processor.
  1. Grind the flax seeds in a food processor just until they start to break up, but before they turn into powder.
  2. Next, add the oats, coconut, nut butter, vanilla, spices, and maple syrup to the food processor. Blend the ingredients on high for a minute or so, until the ingredients form a thick consistent crumble.
Adding peanut butter to a food processor.
  1. Then mix raisins and chocolate chips into the peanut butter oatmeal balls cookie dough by hand with a large wooden spoon.
  2. Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out even balls of dough. Use clean, slightly damp hands to roll the dough into tight balls.

Place the energy balls into an airtight container and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

Get the Complete (Printable) Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls Recipe + Video Below. Enjoy!

Adding chocolate chips to the food processor with no bake oatmeal cookie dough.

Recipe Variations

There are SO many easy and fun ways to customize this basic no-bake energy balls recipe! Here are a few ideas for swaps or extra add-ins:

  • Shredded coconut – feel free to leave out, and add 3 extra tablespoons of oats
  • Spices – mix in a pinch or two of pumpkin pie or apple pie spice, ground cloves, or allspice for a gingerbread taste
  • Sweetener – swap maple syrup for agave or honey (not vegan)
  • Dried fruit – substitute raisins or do a 50/50 blend with other fruits like dried cranberries, dates or cherries
  • Chocolate chips – use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips (your choice of dairy-free or not)
  • Extra goodies – include a few tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans, mini M&M candies, or colorful sprinkles (obviously not quite so healthy)
White bowl brimming with energy balls that are speckled with chocolate chips and raisins. One ball is on the table next to the bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make no bake energy balls without a food processor?

Yes, you can! For the best consistency, use ready-ground flaxseed or grind your own flaxseed in a coffee or spice grinder. Then combine all ingredients in a large bowl with an electric mixer.

How many energy balls can I eat a day?

There is a lot of protein, fiber, and fats in each of these tasty energy balls. So you only need to snack on two or three per day.

How long do energy balls last in the fridge?

Store the balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze energy balls?

Absolutely! I suggest first flash-freezing them for 1 hour on a baking sheet. Then transfer the energy balls to a freezer-safe zipper bag or other container. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 20-30 minutes.

White bowl brimming with energy balls that are speckled with chocolate chips and raisins. One ball with a bite taken out of it is on the table next to the bowl.

Looking for More Heathy(ish) Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

White bowl brimming with energy balls that are speckled with chocolate chips and raisins. One ball is on the table next to the bowl.
Print

No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls Recipe

These delicious no-bake energy bites are easy to make with nut butter, oats, raisins and chocolate chips. They taste like a decadent oatmeal raisin cookie, but this customizable recipe is totally dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 25 balls
Calories 130kcal
Author Sommer Collier

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the flax seeds in a food processor. Grind the flax seeds until they start to break up. (They do not have to be fully ground into powder.)
  • Add the oats, coconut, nut butter, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Turn the processor on high and mix until the ingredients form a thick consistent crumble.
  • Add in the raisins and chocolate chips. Mix these ingredients in by hand.
  • Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out even balls of dough. Roll the dough into tight balls.
  • Place the energy balls into an airtight container and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

Store the balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To Freeze: I suggest first flash freezing them for 1 hour on a baking sheet. Then transfer all of the energy balls to a freezer-safe zipper bag or other container. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 20-30 minutes

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg
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Easy Black Bean Soup https://www.aspicyperspective.com/easy-black-bean-soup-recipe/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/easy-black-bean-soup-recipe/#comments Thu, 26 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=165445 Best Black Bean Soup Recipe – Make this easy vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free black bean soup on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for a deliciously bold, but rustic and cozy, meal that everyone loves! Why We Love This Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe Velvety, savory, and smoky Black Bean Soup is a vegetarian […]]]>

Best Black Bean Soup Recipe – Make this easy vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free black bean soup on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for a deliciously bold, but rustic and cozy, meal that everyone loves!

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Easy Tomato Soup https://www.aspicyperspective.com/easy-tomato-soup/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/easy-tomato-soup/#comments Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:27:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=165249 How to Make Tomato Soup – This wonderfully quick and easy recipe makes the best, most rich, and creamy tomato soup of your dreams! It’s perfect to pair with toasty bread or melty grilled cheese sandwiches for a satisfying lunch or cozy dinner. Why We Love This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe If you love classic […]]]>

How to Make Tomato Soup – This wonderfully quick and easy recipe makes the best, most rich, and creamy tomato soup of your dreams! It’s perfect to pair with toasty bread or melty grilled cheese sandwiches for a satisfying lunch or cozy dinner.

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Traditional Lentil Soup https://www.aspicyperspective.com/traditional-lentil-soup/ https://www.aspicyperspective.com/traditional-lentil-soup/#comments Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.aspicyperspective.com/?p=165079 Best Lentil Soup Recipe – Traditional lentil soup is a cozy vegetarian dish brimming with fresh veggies in a rich tomato broth. It’s rustic and simple, but has plenty of robust flavors to keep you going back for more! Why We Love This Traditional Lentil Soup Recipe We are huge fans of simple vegetarian soups […]]]>

Best Lentil Soup Recipe – Traditional lentil soup is a cozy vegetarian dish brimming with fresh veggies in a rich tomato broth. It’s rustic and simple, but has plenty of robust flavors to keep you going back for more!

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