We are back with another overnight oats recipe (can you tell I love them?!). This time, we are going with a classic flavor with these strawberry overnight oats.
To take them up a notch from your typical overnight oat recipe, we are blending strawberries with our milk. While it takes just a little more time (about 2 minutes more), I find it adds so much flavor! You get some strawberry flavor in every bite, rather than randomly if it were diced and mixed.
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The milk combined with greek yogurt makes the texture super creamy and a pudding-like consistency, and gives them a strawberries and cream taste!
Just like all of my overnight oatmeal recipes, it is well-balanced for balancing your blood sugar and energy levels. There is protein from greek yogurt and milk. It also has complex carbs and fiber from oats and chia seeds, which help slow down digestion. And healthy fats to keep you full until your next meal.
Enjoy these strawberry overnight oats as a quick and easy breakfast, snack, or post-workout meal due to the protein and carbs! They are adult and kid approved, too!
Why you’ll love this strawberry overnight oats recipe
- 15 minutes to make – blend your milk, mix everything up, and pop it in the fridge!
- ready in 2-3 hours or can be made the night before.
- they make a balanced & healthy breakfast (or lunch or snack!) – they have a nice serving of protein, full of complex carbohydrates, some healthy fats, and fiber.
- customizable – adjust the sweetness, protein amount (add a scoop or two of protein powder), or fruit as you like!
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are similar to your typical stovetop oatmeal, but without any cooking. Rolled oats are mixed with a liquid (usually milk) and other flavors, spices, and ingredients and then left to sit overnight. As they sit, the oats absorb the liquid and become a thick and chewy texture, just like cooked oatmeal. Depending on how much milk you add, you are left with almost a pudding-like consistency.
They are quick and easy and so delicious! What I love about overnight oats is that the flavor possibilities are endless. Some of my favorite add-ins are nut butter, fruit (fresh or dried), spices, yogurt, cocoa powder, and protein powder.
Are overnight oats healthy?
Overnight oats can be a great addition to one’s diet. Rolled oats are loaded with fiber, complex carbs, and whole grains, have plant-based protein, and are low in fat. Adding ingredients like chia seeds, greek yogurt, and fruit also adds fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. When making them, it’s important to add good sources of protein and fat to balance out the carbs to help keep your blood sugar stable. You can easily customize them to fit your liking and nutrition goals when making them.
Ingredients
- fresh strawberries – look for fresh and juicy strawberries for the best flavor!
- milk of choice – I used whole milk, but any kind will work.
- honey – for a little sweetness.
- vanilla bean paste
- rolled oats – opt for certified gluten-free if needed.
- greek yogurt – for added protein and makes them super creamy!
- chia seeds – this helps absorb the liquid and adds some more fiber.
- cinnamon
- salt – to bring out the flavors.
How to make strawberry overnight oats
- Make your strawberry milk. Add your strawberries, milk, honey, and vanilla to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
- Make overnight oats. Add 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to each of two medium jars. Pour overtop the milk, evenly dividing it. Stir well to combine until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Place the lid on the jar and put the oat mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, until the mixture thickens.
- Enjoy! Eat out of the jar or transfer to a bowl and top with toppings of choice.
What kind of oats for overnight oats?
Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, are the best option for overnight oats as they absorb liquid well but also still have texture after they soak. You can use quick oats instead of rolled oats, although the texture will change and become more mushy. I do not recommend using steel-cut oats as they need to be soaked for much longer and need more liquid. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
How long do overnight oats take?
Overnight oats don’t really need to be “overnight”. I usually do “quick overnight oats” and make them the morning of, let them sit for an hour or two, and then enjoy. Two or three hours is usually enough for the chia seeds and the oats to absorb the liquid.
The reason why most people make them at night is that it just makes their morning easier. Just grab it and enjoy! But if you forget, you can make them on the same day.
Can you heat up overnight oats?
If you are not a fan of cold oatmeal, you can heat up overnight oats. Simply pop them in the microwave for 30-90 seconds until warmed through. You can also heat them on the stovetop. You may need to add a little more liquid if using the stove.
How long do overnight oats last?
Overnight oats can last for up to 5 days in the fridge. The longer they sit, the more time to soak up the liquid. Overnight oats will last 5 days, but will be a bit mushier than on day 3 or 4.
They make a great option for meal prep – I will make a few servings at a time (these jars are perfect for them) and just keep them in the fridge for something quick and easy to grab during the week.
Can you freeze overnight oats?
Overnight oats are a great freezer-friendly recipe. Make them according to the directions. Once the liquid has been absorbed, pop them in the freezer. They should last for 2 months. When ready to eat, let them defrost in the fridge overnight.
Substitutions and additions
Overnight oats are so customizable, and you can tweak them to your preference and your macronutrient needs. Here are a few suggestions for this overnight oat recipe:
- strawberries – I would suggest using fresh (in season is best!), as frozen can be hit or miss flavor-wise.
- milk – any kind of milk will work. Feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk.
- honey – maple syrup will work instead. Or you can leave it out altogether to keep them sweetener free.
- vanilla bean paste – vanilla extract will work instead.
- oats – old-fashioned oats are the same as rolled oats. You can use quick oats instead of rolled oats, although the texture will change slightly. I do not recommend using steel-cut oats as they need to be soaked for much longer and need more liquid. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- greek yogurt – use full-fat yogurt, fat-free yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt. If desired, you can use vanilla yogurt. The yogurt helps give them a super creamy consistency.
And here are some additions to change them up:
- protein powder – add a scoop or two of your favorite protein powder to increase the protein.
- cocoa powder – for a chocolate strawberry flavor.
- nut butter – to give them a peanut butter and jelly vibe. Try peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- ground flaxseed or hemp seeds – for more healthy fats.
More oatmeal recipes
- chocolate peanut butter overnight oats
- high protein overnight oats
- apple cinnamon overnight oats
- mango overnight oats
- coffee overnight oats
- chocolate coconut overnight oats
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Strawberry Overnight Oats
equipment
ingredients
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (150 grams)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (I used whole milk, but any kind will work)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup rolled oats (100 grams)
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt (8 ounces – I used 0% fat)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- optional toppings – fresh strawberries, peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, cinnamon…
instructions
- Make your strawberry milk. Add your strawberries, milk, honey, and vanilla to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
- Make overnight oats. Add 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to each of two medium jars. Pour overtop the milk, evenly dividing it. Stir well to combine until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Place the lid on the jar and put the oat mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, until the mixture thickens.
- Enjoy! Eat out of the jar or transfer to a bowl and top with your favorite toppings.
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notes
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Love overnight oats! Especially with fruit like this strawberry recipe. So easy and delicious!!
Yes, it’s the perfect summer recipe. Thanks, Nancy!
Love this recipe! I keep making enough for 8 servings and they keep disappearing. 🙂 We like to top ours with fresh fruit (currently extra strawberries, mango and raspberries).
I love to hear that! Those toppings sound delicious too. Thanks for trying it, Anne!