Combine rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Using clean hands or a sturdy wooden spoon, mix all ingredients together until the mixture becomes thick, sticky, and homogeneous with no dry pockets remaining.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

After chilling, scoop approximately one tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll between your palms to form smooth balls roughly one inch in diameter.

Place completed protein balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Refrigerate the finished protein balls for at least one hour before serving to allow them to firm up completely.

Store protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.

When ready to eat, consume directly from the refrigerator for a firmer texture, or let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for a softer consistency.