Quinoa Protein Bars

If you’re on a gluten-free diet, you’ll especially love these Quinoa Protein Bars. Having quick-and-easy access to a healthy treat that also happens to be gluten-free is like hitting the jackpot! Unlike store-bought gluten-free snacks that are packed full of refined sugar, all the sugars in this tasty treat are naturally occurring from the dates and raw honey.



SkinnyMs.

When you’re craving a less-than-healthy snack, look to these Quinoa Protein Bars instead. They’re a great way to satisfy your cravings while still maintaining a healthy diet. This delectable snack combines quinoa and dark chocolate, as well as other superfoods, to create a tasty treat. It’s a perfect snack for before or after a workout, and it definitely satisfies when that afternoon sweet-tooth craving hits.

Superfood Quinoa


SkinnyMs.

Quinoa is one of the most versatile superfoods you can eat. Superfoods are natural, unprocessed foods that are low in calories and high in nutrients. They help the body fight disease and provide it with what it needs to be in excellent health.

As compared to other grains, quinoa contains higher-than-average levels of nutrients. It’s an excellent source of fiber, and it also happens to be a complete protein. That means it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs (just like meat), so it’s a great plant-based way to get your protein. Its also full of antioxidants and minerals, like manganese, folate, iron, and zinc.

Luckily, quinoa is super easy to cook, too (and we have a few secrets for making the perfect light and fluffy quinoa). Once you let it cool, you can easily throw together the remaining ingredients and whip up a batch of these tasty, nutritious Quinoa Protein Bites. You can store them for several days, so enjoy these as a grab-and-go snack all week long!

To create a little variety or to accommodate any food allergies, sunflower butter and pumpkin seeds are great alternatives to peanut and almond butters. You can make your own alternative nut butter, or check out these seven healthy nut butter brands if you want a store-bought option. As far as other modifications go, feel free to add the chocolate chips directly to the mixture instead of melting them and drizzling on top. Or, omit the chocolate altogether if you’re trying to watch your sugar intake.

Speaking of sugar, you’ll love the way the dates keep the bars moist without providing a distinct flavor. They’re also a healthy, naturally occurring sugar source. They’ll give you a burst of energy without creating a crash later because they’re considered low on the glycemic index.

Ingredients
1/3 cup quinoa, pre-rinsed
2/3 cup water
16 whole (pitted) dates, no sugar added
1/2 cup raw almonds with skin
1/3 cup natural crunchy peanut butter (almond butter is an option)
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions
Add quinoa and water to a small sauce, cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook approximately 15 minutes or until all water has been absorbed. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Using a food processor, or high powered blender, add dates and pulse until they form a ball. Remove dates and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add almonds to the food processor and pulse until finely minced. Be careful not to turn the almonds into mill.
Add dates, almonds, peanut butter, and chilled quinoa to the food processor and pulse until ingredients are well combined. Return ingredients to the mixing bowl, shape into six 2-inch x 1-inch bars, about 1-inch thick.
In a small saucepan, add chocolate chips and honey, melt over low heat or in a double-boiler. Evenly spread a thin layer of chocolate over the top of each protein bar, return to the refrigerator and allow chocolate to harden. Bars can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
Optional, omit the honey and add chocolate chips to the food processor when adding the quinoa.

More Meals Under 400 Calories:

Cucumber Quinoa Salad With Ground Turkey, Olives, & Feta (97 calories)
Connie and Ted’s Celebrity Salad (107 calories)
Easy Thai Beef Salad Recipe (155 calories)
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup(160 calories)
Vegetarian Quinoa “Meatballs” (291 calories)
Clean Eating Chicken Salad (291 calories)
Chicken Zucchini Roll Ups (297 calories)
Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich (300 calories)
Moroccan Chicken Salad with Chimichurri Dressing (300 calories)
Smoked Salmon with Asparagus and Egg Salad (312 calories)
Skinny Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps(376 calories)
Barley Salad with Asparagus and Roasted Tomatoes (382 calories)
Chicken Burrito Bowl with Fresh Pico de Gallo & Creamy Chipotle Sauce (392 calories)
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats(227 calories)
Quinoa Apple Breakfast Bowl (280 calories)
Blueberry Oat Pancakes (304 calories)
Egg and Turkey Sausage Breakfast Tacos (334 calories)
Hummus Breakfast Bowl (354 calories)
Quinoa Protein Bars (376 calories)
Sweet Potato Breakfast Recipe (391 calories)
5-Ingredient Bacon Cauliflower Slow Cooker Soup (173 calories)
Easy 3-Ingredient Chicken Tacos (215 calories)
Paleo Zucchini and Turkey Skillet Dinner(237 calories)
Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken (237 calories)
Creamy Wild Rice and Kale Casserole(245 calories)
Instant Pot Healthy Chicken and Spinach Ramen Noodle Bowl (275 calories)
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings (297 calories)
One-Skillet Chicken Pot Pie (322 calories)
Shrimp Taco Bowls (330 calories)
Mediterranean Greek Salmon with Orzo Recipe (347 calories)
Instant Pot Skinny Spaghetti (348 calories)
Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Chowder (350 calories)
Slow Cooker Healthy Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze (367 calories)
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole (374 calories)

Share...