Begin by washing and chopping fresh strawberries into small pieces. Aim for about a cup of finely chopped strawberries to enhance the flavor in your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Protein Balls.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond butter, 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 cup of gluten-free oats, and 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Stir in the chopped strawberries and, if desired, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well-blended and form a cohesive dough.

Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball about the size of a tablespoon. Place the shaped balls onto a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes.

In a microwave-safe bowl, add about 1 cup of dark chocolate chips. Heat them in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Once the chocolate is melted, remove the protein balls from the refrigerator. Use a fork to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are completely coated. Place them back on the parchment paper to set.

Place the coated balls back into the refrigerator for an additional 15–20 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely.