I’m sharing my Best Healthy Overnight Oats recipe, a customizable, jar-ready mix of oats, yogurt, chia seeds and almond milk packed with protein and fiber to simplify busy mornings.
I’m always chasing breakfasts that make mornings easier, and this Best Healthy Overnight Oats idea does that. I keep rolled oats and Greek yogurt on hand and somehow it always feels like a secret weapon on rushed days.
Its simple and surprisingly satisfying, way better than the sad cereal mornings I used to do. It works great as an Overnight Oats In A Jar Easy solution for work or school, so most mornings I just grab the jar and go, feeling like I actually planned something right for once, which is pretty rare for me.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: slow carbs and plenty of fiber, keeps you full for hours honestly.
- Greek yogurt: thick, creamy protein boost that adds tang and makes it richer.
- Chia seeds: tiny but mighty fiber and omega 3s, they soak up milk nice.
- Ground flaxseed: adds extra fiber and healthy fats, subtle nutty taste.
- Almond milk: low calorie milk alternative its light and slightly nutty flavor.
- Banana or berries: natural sweetness and quick energy, berries give antioxidants too.
- Nuts and nut butter: crunchy healthy fats and protein, makes it more satisfying.
- Protein powder: optional protein punch for workouts, mixes in well with yogurt.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats, not instant)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat, your call)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional but great for fiber)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 small banana sliced or 1/2 cup berries fresh or frozen (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon nut butter like almond or peanut butter (optional)
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional, if you want extra protein)
How to Make this
1. In a jar or medium bowl add 1 cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional), 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
2. In a separate cup whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 to 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; if using protein powder stir the scoop into the milk first until smooth so it doesnt clump.
3. Pour the yogurt-milk mix over the dry ingredients, stir well until everything is combined and the chia/flax start to absorb liquid, press down with a spoon to get rid of big air pockets.
4. Fold in sliced banana or 1/2 cup berries now if you want them mixed in, or layer them on top for prettier jars; note frozen berries work fine but may make the mix slightly thinner as they thaw.
5. If using nut butter add 1 tablespoon now and swirl it through, warming the nut butter 5-10 seconds in the microwave makes it easier to mix; sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped nuts on top or mix them in.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness: add a little more honey or milk if needed — for thicker oats use less milk, for creamier use more.
7. Seal the jar or cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 4 hours but preferably overnight; overnight oats keep well in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days for grab-and-go breakfasts.
8. In the morning stir, add a splash of milk if too thick, heat for 30-60 seconds in the microwave if you want them warm, top with extra fruit, nuts or a drizzle of honey and enjoy.
Equipment Needed
1. Mason jars or medium airtight containers with lids
2. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
3. Small bowl or cup for whisking the yogurt and milk
4. Whisk or fork for mixing
5. Spoon or rubber spatula for stirring and pressing down oats
6. Knife and cutting board for slicing banana or chopping nuts
7. Microwave-safe bowl or jar plus a microwave for warming nut butter or reheating
8. Refrigerator for chilling the jars overnight
FAQ
The Best Healthy Overnight Oatmeal Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- (Rolled oats) Swap for quinoa flakes 1:1 for a gluten free, slightly nuttier texture, or use quick cooking steel cut oats if you like chew, but add a bit more milk and soak longer — they take more time.
- (Plain Greek yogurt) Swap for silken tofu or a dairy free yogurt like coconut or soy, same amount, keeps it creamy and adds protein, just know coconut yogurt will taste a bit tropical
- (Chia seeds) Swap for hemp hearts or an extra tablespoon of ground flaxseed; hemp wont gel as much so the mix will be looser, flax will boost fiber and help thicken
- (Honey or maple syrup) Swap for 1/2 a mashed banana or 2-3 mashed medjool dates for natural sweetness and creaminess, or use agave or date syrup if you want a liquid sweetener
Pro Tips
– Start with a little less liquid than you think you need, then thin it out in the morning with a splash of milk if it feels too thick. It keeps the oats from turning mushy and you can control the texture better.
– If you add protein powder, dissolve it into the milk first until totally smooth before mixing with the oats so it wont clump. Trust me, scooping and stirring later is a pain.
– Warm nut butter for 5 to 10 seconds so it swirls in easy, and always add crunchy nuts right before eating so they stay crisp and not soggy.
– Make several jars at once for busy mornings, but rotate flavors so you dont get bored; most jars keep fine for 4 or 5 days, and if you like them warm zap for 30 to 60 seconds.
The Best Healthy Overnight Oatmeal Recipe
I’m sharing my Best Healthy Overnight Oats recipe, a customizable, jar-ready mix of oats, yogurt, chia seeds and almond milk packed with protein and fiber to simplify busy mornings.
1
servings
930
kcal
Equipment: 1. Mason jars or medium airtight containers with lids
2. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
3. Small bowl or cup for whisking the yogurt and milk
4. Whisk or fork for mixing
5. Spoon or rubber spatula for stirring and pressing down oats
6. Knife and cutting board for slicing banana or chopping nuts
7. Microwave-safe bowl or jar plus a microwave for warming nut butter or reheating
8. Refrigerator for chilling the jars overnight
Ingredients
-
1 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats, not instant)
-
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat, your call)
-
1/2 to 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)
-
1 tablespoon chia seeds
-
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional but great for fiber)
-
1 to 2 teaspoons honey or pure maple syrup
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
Pinch of salt
-
1 small banana sliced or 1/2 cup berries fresh or frozen (optional)
-
2 tablespoons chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts (optional)
-
1 tablespoon nut butter like almond or peanut butter (optional)
-
1 scoop protein powder (optional, if you want extra protein)
Directions
- In a jar or medium bowl add 1 cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional), 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate cup whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 to 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; if using protein powder stir the scoop into the milk first until smooth so it doesnt clump.
- Pour the yogurt-milk mix over the dry ingredients, stir well until everything is combined and the chia/flax start to absorb liquid, press down with a spoon to get rid of big air pockets.
- Fold in sliced banana or 1/2 cup berries now if you want them mixed in, or layer them on top for prettier jars; note frozen berries work fine but may make the mix slightly thinner as they thaw.
- If using nut butter add 1 tablespoon now and swirl it through, warming the nut butter 5-10 seconds in the microwave makes it easier to mix; sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped nuts on top or mix them in.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness: add a little more honey or milk if needed — for thicker oats use less milk, for creamier use more.
- Seal the jar or cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 4 hours but preferably overnight; overnight oats keep well in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days for grab-and-go breakfasts.
- In the morning stir, add a splash of milk if too thick, heat for 30-60 seconds in the microwave if you want them warm, top with extra fruit, nuts or a drizzle of honey and enjoy.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 530g
- Total number of serves: 1
- Calories: 930kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 6g
- Monounsaturated: 18g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Potassium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 105g
- Fiber: 21g
- Sugar: 27g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 410mg
- Iron: 6.2mg
