Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with Collagen)

Time to get toasty in the middle of summer! My Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with Collagen) are a versatile, balanced energy balls that are easy to make and keep on-hand for healthy snacking.

Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!

I like to pop one, two or three (depending on my hunger and energy needs) of these apricot pecan balls in my mouth on the way to my pre-dawn boot camp, or later in the day for a satisfying between-meal snack.  Whole grains, nuts and dried fruit for the win. . .  plus a little collagen powder for my joint support, general wellness and a protein boost!

Great Lakes Wellness discount code THEFITFORK10OFF
Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!
Pin for later!

Not added sugar in this apricot protein bites recipe! Dried apricots (look for the unsweetened and unsulfured variety) add sweetness, along with a sugar-free maple syrup alternative. If you’d rather use real maple syrup, honey, agave syrup or another “sticky sweetener”, that’s fine too! Just swap in using the same measurements – do note that it will change the macro, adding more carbohydrates.

Toasting quinoa, oats and pecans

Toasting the quinoa, oats and pecans before chopping up in the food process gives them an amazingly satisfying texture and aroma. You can skip this step if absolutely pressed for time, but it’s well worth the extra 5 minutes each of cooking/cooking time for the elevated flavor. Toasting quinoa is also kinda fun! The dry quinoa also starts to “pop” in the pan, which is an indication only a minute or more needed before you can pulse the remaining ingredients in the food processor. And, the scent of toasting oats, quinoa, pecans and the cinnamon is AMAZING!

If the majority of the mixture isn’t pulling off the sides of the food processor, you can add in a tablespoon or two more of uncooked oats and pulse to make less sticky. You’ll still want it moist and sticky enough to keep the balls holding shape as you roll between your palms.

Save 10% at GreatLakesGelatin.com with code THEFITFORK10OFF

As I mentioned, unflavored collagen in this oat quinoa energy balls recipe for my joint/bone and general wellness support – plus a protein boost! For these no-bake collagen bites, I like the Great Lakes Wellness brand and you can save with code THEFITFORK10OFF

5 from 2 votes
Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!
Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with collagen)
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
cool
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with collagen) make a nourishing anytime snack — even a breakfast on the go or post-workout refuel. Gluten free.

Course: Snack, workout
Keyword: apricot, energy bar, pecan, protein bar, quinoa
Servings: 24 balls
Ingredients
  • ½ cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup unflavored collagen powder
  • 8 oz dried apricots set 2 aside for garnish
  • ½ cup sugar-free maple syrup substitute or “sticky” sweetener of choice like honey, agave, etc.*
Instructions
  1. In skillet, over medium-high heat, toast pecans, oats, quinoa and cinnamon for about minutes, stirring frequently, until turning lightly brown. You will hear the quinoa “popping. Remove from heat and let cool down a few minutes.
  2. Place toasted mixture in food processor along with collagen and couple pinches of salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
  3. Add dried apricots and syrup in to food processor and process for a minute or so until a sticky mixture forms and is pulling away from sides. If seems to sticky, add a up to two tablespoons of oats (they don’t need to me toasted).
  4. Form a heaping tablespoon into a ball by rolling between your hands. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 24 total.
  5. Cut the two reserved apricots up into small pieces for garnish on top.
  6. Store bites in refrigerator for 4–5 days. * changing sweetener may affect the macros.
Recipe Notes

Apple-Pecan Quinoa Oat Breakfast Bake – Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Hello, and welcome to possibly to the one millionth flavor combination of my beloved morning meal — Apple-Pecan Quinoa Oat Breakfast Bake. While it’s a traditional flavor pairing with apples, pecans, raisins, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla, the baked oatmeal base is a bit unique as it co-mingles with the ancient “grain,” quinoa.

apple pecan quinoa oat bake tray meal prep

About 10 years ago, when I discovered that steel cut oats and quinoa cook up to the perfect, soft but slightly toothsome texture in the SAME amount of time, I started making these healthy grain breakfast bakes like an starved and obsessed woman. With every batch, a different combination of flavors (like the last was Pumpkin Peanut Butter Quinoa Oat Bake) – always delicious and great to cook ahead to have a balanced breakfast on had for busy mornings. Continue reading

Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles + Topping Ideas

Nothing like a big bowl of mashed potatoes . . .  except maybe these Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles, I absolutely adore the crispy exterior and soft, fluffy inside that some time spent in the waffle iron creates! Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles with Topping Ideas

With Thanksgiving and other big-meal holidays on the horizon, I am always on the lookout for leftover mashed potato recipes and other ways to give a next-day upgrade to our hearty meal and side dishes. Learn how easy it is to make these flourless mashed potato waffles and even meal-prep enough to stick in the freezer for busy days down the road. Continue reading

Crispy Cinnamon Almond Cookies | Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free

This post is sponsored by Spectrum Culinary™ Oil. However, all content, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own.

These low-carb Crispy Cinnamon Almond Cookies have been a welcomed treat over the last few months. Spending so much time at home makes me “snacky,” so I’m always looking for lower-carb ways to satisfy my sweet tooth – and with other functional ingredients to support my active lifestyle as an athlete. Crispy Keto Cinnamon Almond Cookies spectrum MCT oil
Bake up these low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, Paleo and keto-friendly cookies that feature Spectrum Culinary™ Keto Blend Organic Olive & MCT Oil that I ordered for pick up at Walmart. Continue reading

Easy Cilantro Coconut Cream Cod with Zucchini | Paleo, Gluten-free, Lower Carb

Lean in, I’m about to let you in on one of my 30-minute dinner secrets – frozen cod filets. With a stockpile of pacific cod in the freezer, I can come up with so many mouth-watering, 30-minute meals, like my latest: Easy One-Dish Cilantro Coconut Cream Cod with Zucchini Cilantro Coconut Cream Cod with Zucchini - Paleo, Lower Carb, Gluten-free

Continue reading