Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
If someone had told me 5 years ago that I would willingly eat algae, that I would seek it out even, I would’ve said they’d been smoking mass quantities of the loco weed. But, despite the adage, a leopard can change her stripes. I not only put a spoonful of spirulina (a.k.a. blue-green algae) into my morning smoothie, I mix the stuff up with sweet dates, hemp seeds, coconut, and nuts for a powerhouse-of-health snack. Munching on these raw spirulina balls is not only good for you – it temporarily turns your fingers and your teeth an alluring green.
What’s all the fuss about over spirulina?
- You get a nice dose of antioxidants which protect us from those nasty free radicals that damage healthy cells;
- you also get folate which helps brain function;
- and, if you’re looking for plant-based protein, add spirulina to your diet.
BTW, this recipe appears in my new cookbook (in the Tart Craving Chapter), Crave Eat Heal: Plant-based, Whole Food Recipes to Satisfy Every Craving, that you can pre-order here (or click on the cover image below). And don’t forget about my 16-recipe companion e-book, Crave. Eat. Heal. Outtakes! It’s only $4.99! Get it via Blurb or iBooks.
Raw Lemon-Coconut Spirulina Balls
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 120
- Yield: 20 1x
Description
Blue-green algae never tasted so good! In these vegan, raw balls, spirulina is paired with coconut, dates, and nuts for a delicious, nutritious dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pecan pieces
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup unsweetened raw coconut flakes
- 2 Tbsp. hemp seeds
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. coconut milk
- 1 Tbsp. spirulina
Instructions
- Put the pecans and dates into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until broken down into small pieces. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. You will need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times. The mixture will form a ball.
- Scrape the mixture into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or two. Using a small spoon, scoop up about 1 heaping teaspoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Place in an air-tight container. Continue with the rest of the mixture and store the balls in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use a protein powder mix (which often contains spirulina) if you don’t have spirulina on hand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 157
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 4
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0
The color is beautiful Annie! I have no idea what spirulina tastes like, but all I know is the Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream by NadaMoo has it in it got natural color and it’s my favorite flavor by that brand! So good…I don’t notice any odd taste at all! I can’t wait to get your book in my hands!! ❤️❤️
I’ve got to check out this NadaMoo stuff, Brandi! Maybe I can get my local Walmart to sell it…haha… Spirulina on its own – yeah, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are fond of ocean water – but the flavor is really is undetectable in these treats.
Plenty of things I never would have dreamed of enjoying 5 years ago. Hemp milk? Flax eggs?
Avocado chocolate pudding, really? What strange lives we live so as not to harm others! And these look fabulous, Happy St Patrick’s day Woman. Lookin’ mighty green for an ole Italian like yourself. I’m 75% Irish and am all in black today? :'(
I know, right?! Even tofu would have been fairly exotic to me!
Oh and I think you’re okay wearing black today because I just read that green is not the color associated w/ St. Patrick! Blue is!
Awesome desserts with a gorgeous color! You have a cookbook, too; I will check it out. Do you know if spirulina consumption is good for everybody? Are there exceptions like auto-immune disorders or anything like that? Just want to make sure of it before buying my own bag.
Apparently, spirulina is generally a safe supplement to take – just make sure to get a high-quality product. I did read that people taking anticoagulant drugs should consult w/ their doctor before eating spirulina as apparently it can interfere with the drugs’ efficacy.
Ohhh miummm !!! This recipe was and still is a big hit here. I’ve made it few times since we first tasted a while ago during the testing procedures. Yummmm !!! The perfect recipe girl for St. Patrick Day…:) Thanks for this wonderful recipe 🙂
Ah, yes, you are very familiar with these babies! <3
Now I know what to do with the blue green algae in my freezer! These are so pretty and healthy, thanks for the great idea. 🙂
Haha! Yes! Get that algae out of the freezer ;-P!
These look awesome! I love spirulina and I bet the combination of lemon and coconut with it would be great. Can’t wait to give them a try!
Thanks, Laura! Lemon and coconut are naturals together and of course, green food is just fun :-P.
I love making raw energy balls as they are the perfect snack for when I crave a sugar hit. I’ve never used spirulina powder before and am keen to get my hands on some after seeing this post – thanks for drawing my attention to it.
Wonderful pretty coloured treats! I love your cool photos too! On my list to make today, my beloved Anne! xxx
Have I told you lately that you are amazing :-)?
Yes, yes!
I LOVE spirulina, and these are probably the BEST balls I’ve seen. The flavor combination is perfect.
That really is quite the colour!
I know it!!
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Not a big fan of spirulina but I am coming around! How long do these last in the fridge?
I promise you that you won’t taste the spirulina! You could always use less and I think someone made these without any at all, so that’s an option, too. These should last about a week.
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