Start your day with the delightful flavors of our Healthy Strawberry and Almond Overnight Oats Recipe! This recipe is the perfect solution for a make-ahead easy breakfast, offering convenience, nutrition, and the irresistible combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds. It's tailor-made for those hectic mornings or when you're craving a wholesome, and afternoon snack.
In our home, the rhythm of breakfast may ebb and flow, yet our affinity for wholesome, convenient meals like overnight oats remains steadfast. For those who prefer a few extra moments of slumber, these oats are a revelation. Rich in vital nutrients and the essence of simplicity, they embody the ideal quick-fix breakfast, ready to be grabbed and savored, ensuring your day begins as seamlessly as the blend in your bowl.
Let’s talk about nutrition for a moment. Oats are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in fiber and protein, providing a solid foundation for your day. They contain beta-glucan, known for its cholesterol-lowering and blood sugar-stabilizing properties. Oats are also packed with vital vitamins and minerals, making them an essential part of a balanced diet. To explore more about the extensive health benefits of oats, you can delve into detailed information here.
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Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Enjoy the benefits of whole grains and vital nutrients with every spoonful.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Easily accessible ingredients make this recipe a breeze to prepare.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Save time during busy mornings by preparing your healthy breakfast in advance.
- Budget-Friendly: Economical choices that deliver deliciousness without a hefty price tag.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Ingredients
- Old Fashioned Oats: A hearty whole grain base that offers texture and fiber, keeping you satisfied for longer.
- Chia Seeds: Nutrient-packed seeds that thicken the oats while providing a dose of healthy omega-3s and fiber.
- You Favorite Milk: Tailor the creaminess with your preferred choice of milk, be it dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
- Plain Low-Fat Greek Yogurt: For added creaminess and a boost of protein. Feel free to opt for a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Sweetener of Choice: Enhance the sweetness naturally with honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or your preferred sweetener.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a sweet, aromatic flavor, complementing the sweet strawberries and almonds.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Easy Overnight Oat Recipe
Individual Servings
- Mix oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, sweetener, salt, and vanilla in a mason jar.
- Soak for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Serving: Stir the oats, adjust thickness with a splash of milk, and top with fresh strawberries and almonds.
Big Batch
- Combine ingredients in a bowl or airtight container, cover, and refrigerate.
- Soak the oat mixture for at least 4 - 8 hours, then portion into jars when ready.
- Serving: Stir the oats, adjust thickness with a splash of milk, and top with fresh strawberries and almonds.
Variations
- Make it Vegan: Switch to plant-based milk options like almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk for the creamy base. Use dairy-free yogurts and add vegan-friendly sweeteners like a touch of maple syrup, agave syrup, or date paste for a delightful natural sweetness.
- Make it Gluten Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Boost Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder or a dollop of nut butter.
- Change the Flavor: Experiment with different spices, citrus zest, or extracts like almond to switch things up.
Favorite Toppings and Mix-Ins
- Fresh Fruit: Add a splash of color and sweetness with your favorite fruits such as fresh berries, mangoes, apples, or bananas.
- Dried or Freeze-Dried Fruit: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or freeze-dried fruits for a burst of intense flavor and a chewy bite.
- Chia Seed Jam: Infuse a tangy sweetness with chia seed jam.
- Nuts and Seeds: Introduce a crunchy texture and a boost of protein with options like pecans, walnuts, hemp seeds, or flax seeds.
- Coconut Chips: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a hint of tropical sweetness and unique texture.
- Chocolate Elements: Treat yourself to the decadence of cocoa nibs, dark chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder, (or try adding instant coffee for a twist).
- Nut/Seed Butter: Drizzle a rich layer of almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter butter for a creamy and flavorful finish to your oats.
Storage Instructions
In the Fridge:
- Store your overnight oats in sealed jars or airtight containers.
- With toppings, consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Without toppings, they can last 3-4 days.
In the Freezer
- Freeze the oats in airtight containers to extend their shelf life for up to 3 months.
How to Defrost Overnight Oats
- Thaw the oats overnight in the fridge.
- Stir well before serving to ensure an even consistency.
- Add a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt if needed to adjust the texture of the oats.
Meal Prep Instructions
- Combine oats, milk, yogurt, sweetener, and other base ingredients in jars or an airtight container.
- Allow the mixture to soak in the fridge for 4-8 hours (or overnight), ensuring the oats absorb the flavors.
- Add a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt if needed.
- Add fresh toppings like fruits or nuts just before serving to keep the texture and taste fresh
FAQ's
Yes, but the texture will be softer and mushy compared to using old-fashioned rolled oats.
Steel-cut oats are not recommended as they don't soften as well overnight and may remain too hard or chewy.
You can, but the texture will be much mushier. For best results, old-fashioned oats are preferred for their texture and ability to absorb flavors.
No, yogurt is optional. It's added for creaminess and protein but can be omitted or substituted based on dietary preferences.
Absolutely, while they are traditionally eaten cold, you can gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave.
Embrace your mornings with this healthy Strawberry Overnight Oats, a perfect blend of nutrition and taste for a quick, satisfying breakfast. It's straightforward, healthy eating to power your day. Experiment with different flavor combinations and always enjoy what's in season.
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Healthy Strawberry and Almond Overnight Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day with the delightful flavors of our Healthy Strawberry and Almond Overnight Oats Recipe! This recipe is the perfect solution for a make-ahead easy breakfast, offering convenience, nutrition, and the irresistible combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds. It's tailor-made for those hectic mornings or when you're craving a wholesome, and afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Individual Serving
½ cup Old-fashioned oats
1 tbsp. Chia seeds
½ - ¾ cup Milk of choice (we use almond milk)
¼ cup Plain Greek yogurt (or dairy free alternative)
1 tablespoon Sweetener of choice (we use honey)
Pinch of salt
¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Topping
1 - 2 tablespoon Raw almonds, toasted and chopped
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Big Batch (6 Servings)
3 cups Old-fashioned oats
6 tablespoon Chia seeds
3 - 4 ½ cups Milk of choice (we use almond mik)
¼ cup Plain Greek yogurt (or dairy free alternative)
6 tbsps Sweetener of choice (we use honey)
¼ teaspoon Salt
1 ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Topping
6 - 12 tablespoon Raw almonds, toasted and chopped
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
For individual servings:
1. Combine the oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, sweetener, salt and vanilla extract in sealable glass jars or small airtight containers with lids.
2. Soak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, but it’s best to soak overnight oats for 8 hours.
3. When you are ready to serve, give your overnight oats a stir, add a splash of milk if it’s too stiff. Top your overnight oats with fresh strawberries and chopped almonds.
For a big batch:
1. Combine the oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, sweetener, salt and vanilla extract in a non reactive bowl (like glass) or an airtight container. Cover with cling wrap or a lid.
2. Soak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, but it’s best to soak overnight oats for 8 hours.
3. When your overnight oats are ready, divide the mixture between 6 glass jars or small airtight containers with lids (or bowls if you are ready to enjoy your overnight oats). Store in the refrigerator until needed.
4. When you are ready to serve, give your overnight oats a stir, add a splash of milk if it’s too stiff. Top your overnight oats with strawberries and chopped almonds.
Notes
Fridge Storage - Store in Mason jars or airtight containers in the fridge. With fruit toppings: best within 1-2 days for freshness. Without toppings: good for 3-4 days.
Freezer Storage - Freeze without toppings/mix-ins in individual portions for 1-3 months.
Defrosting - Defrost overnight in the fridge. Stir and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 - 10 minutes
- Soaking Time: 4 - 8 hours
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
Nutrition
- Serving Size: serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 23.4 g
- Sodium: 121.6 mg
- Fat: 18.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 65.7 g
- Protein: 19.3 g
- Cholesterol: 9.3 mg
The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
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