These Pumpkin Quinoa Protein Bites are filled with wholesome ingredients that you’ll love!! It’s an all natural protein bar recipe that you can feel good about eating.
Hey friends! Did you miss me? Our internet has been down all week! But it’s back up and I’m excited to share a new #TrainingBites recipe even if it is a few days late.
Last weekend, Eric and I ran the Tower of Terror 10 Miler at Universal Studios. Big THANKS to my amazing boss, Tara and her hook up as the RunDisney Nutritionist for getting us some bibs in the race. 10 miles at 10PM into the twilight zone…they have lots of special effects on the course, and after you cross the finish line the park is opened just for the runners. AKA no lines!!
The Tower of Terror 10 Miler one of my favorite RunDisney races. We did the race last year, with zero intentions of staying in the park afterwards. When we finished we were both so excited that we decided to ride the rides and had so much fun we stayed until about 3AM. It was a BLAST.
This year was different. Since I’ve been struggling with an ankle tendonitis issue, I never know what type of run I’m going to have. In the Miracle Miles 15K, I hardly felt it.. but this weekend the ankle started hurting on mile 3. Bummer.
The race was fun, but afterwards we were both ready to go home to sleep. Maybe we’re getting old? Party poppers, I know.
Eric pushed it really hard and said the race went pretty fast for him.. me on the other hand, it was one of my slower finishes. I was happy to be running though.
These Pumpkin Quinoa Protein Bites are AMAZING! No literally, just go make them now.. I’m sure your trying to figure out what to do with that leftover can of pumpkin in your fridge anyways, right? They taste good and my favorite part is they are healthy too!! If you don’t have any of The Bee’s Knees PB— just use regular PB!
Print
Pumpkin Quinoa Protein Bites
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 16 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
These Pumpkin Quinoa Protein Bites are filled with wholesome ingredients that you’ll love!! It’s an all natural protein bar recipe that you can feel good about eating.
Ingredients
- 5 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup “bees knees” peanut butter
- 1/4 cup canned 100% pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vanilla no sugar added protein powder
- 11/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons whole golden flaxseed
- 1 cup raw rolled oats
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, chilled
Instructions
- In bowl of stand mixer with paddle attachment or food processor, puree dates.
- Add peanut butter, pumpkin puree, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice to bowl and mix until blended.
- If using a mixer, mix in pumpkin seeds, pecans, almonds, flax and oats to the bowl until incorporated. Note: If using food processor, transfer date puree to a bowl and fold in nuts, seeds, and oats.
- Add quinoa to bowl and mix until incorporated.
- Chill mixture in freezer for about 10 minutes before forming bites.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form 16 uniform balls.
- Store in airtight container; keep refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/16 of recipe
- Calories: 142
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 22mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.
Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!
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I’ve been looking for the perfect workout snack – these look fantastic. Don’t know where I can get vanilla protein powder so will use my normal pea protein & add some vanilla essence. Can’t wait to try!
ooo I bet that would work just fine too. I usually get vanilla protein powder in the same aisle as the plain.
tower of terror is literally my nightmare!!! I’m also a terrible runner, so the combo is making me nervous haha!
haha Carlene! the ride is pretty crazy, kinda like running 10 miles in the dark.
Love the addition of quinoa to a protein bite. That race sounds awesome, too bad about your ankle though, hope you have a quick recovery!
Thanks Jess.. it’s been a struggle with my ankle. Hope I can run again pain free.