No-Bake Quinoa Protein Bars

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1 1/2 cups pitted dates
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, or as needed
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups ground oats, or as needed, divided
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 3 tablespoons protein powder
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Blend quinoa, dates, honey, applesauce, coconut, sunflower seeds, coconut oil, and vanilla together in a food processor until smooth. Add enough of the oats to fill the processor bowl and and blend until combined.

Stir the quinoa mixture with the remaining oats, flax seed, protein powder, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and salt in a large bowl until mixture is able to hold it's shape without sticking to you hands. Press mixture firmly into prepared baking pan and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.