Strawberry Overnight Oats

Summer mornings hit different when you open the fridge and breakfast is already waiting for you. I discovered overnight oats during a particularly chaotic week when I was eating dry toast in my car between meetings. There is something almost magical about waking up to food that tastes even better than it did the night before.

My sister visited last month and I made these for our sunrise hike. She texted me three days later asking for the recipe because her kids kept requesting them. Something about those little red strawberry jewels scattered throughout makes the whole bowl feel special.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: These soak up liquid beautifully without turning to mush like instant oats would
• Milk: Dairy gives creaminess but oat milk works perfectly if you want to keep it plant-based
• Greek yogurt: This is what makes each spoonful feel luxuriously thick and satisfying
• Chia seeds: They plump up overnight and add this delightful little texture throughout
• Honey or maple syrup: Start with one tablespoon and taste the mixture before adding more
• Vanilla extract: Do not skip this it pulls all the flavors together beautifully
• Salt: Just a pinch makes the strawberry flavor pop surprisingly
• Fresh strawberries: Dice them small so you get berries in almost every bite

Instructions

Mix your base:

Combine the oats milk yogurt chia seeds sweetener vanilla and salt in a large bowl or mason jar. Stir until everything is completely incorporated and no dry pockets remain.

Add the berries:

Gently fold in your diced strawberries so they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Let time work its magic:

Cover your container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours though overnight is ideal for the creamiest texture.

Check your consistency:

In the morning give it a good stir and add a splash of milk if it seems too thick for your liking.

Make it pretty:

Scoop into bowls and top with extra sliced strawberries nuts or coconut if you are feeling fancy.

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These oats became my go-to meal prep when I realized Sunday meal prep does not have to mean eating the same sad salad all week. Now I make two jars on Sunday and actually look forward to Monday mornings.

Making Ahead Like a Pro

I layer my toppings in separate small containers so nothing gets soggy. Fresh strawberries hold up surprisingly well but I avoid adding nuts until I am ready to eat. The oats themselves actually improve after 24 hours as the flavors meld together.

Perfecting Your Texture

Everyone seems to have a different opinion on the ideal thickness. I prefer mine slightly loose so I use a full cup of milk but my husband likes his so thick a spoon stands up straight in the jar. Trust your own preference here.

Endless Variations to Try

Once you master the basic formula you will start seeing possibilities everywhere. Change up the fruit with the seasons or try different spices to keep things interesting.

• Pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie spice in autumn feels like having dessert for breakfast
• Peanut butter and banana chunks makes it taste like your favorite smoothie
• Frozen berries work when fresh are out of season and they create this pretty purple swirl as they thaw

Save

There is something profoundly satisfying about breakfast that takes care of itself while you sleep. Here is to mornings that start with a little less rush and a lot more strawberry sweetness.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Thaw them slightly and pat dry before adding to prevent excess liquid in your oats.

→ How long do these oats last in the refrigerator?

These overnight oats stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

→ What type of oats work best for overnight soaking?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal as they soften perfectly. Steel-cut oats remain too chewy, while instant oats become too mushy.

→ Can I heat these up in the morning?

Yes, you can warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if you prefer hot oats, though they're traditionally enjoyed chilled.

→ How can I add more protein?

Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder, add a tablespoon of peanut butter, or use Greek yogurt for extra protein.