Breakfast is done when you wake up
I am not the type of person who eats the same thing for breakfast every day for my whole life. I love variety, but it drives me a little crazy when I get up in the morning and I can’t figure out what I want to eat. Blueberry overnight oats is a great way to solve this problem because it is already there waiting for you when you first open the fridge. There is something wonderful about having a convenience food that you made yourself.
What are Overnight Oats?
While overnight oats have been all the range for the last few years, there are still many who haven’t tried them and don’t know how easy they are to make. I have become a more recent convert myself. The original overnight oats was just oats and milk with cinnamon, but they have evolved into a much bigger palate of flavors. This blueberry overnight oats recipe includes, besides oats and blueberries, Greek yogurt, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, walnuts and chia seeds. The chia seeds, as they soak in almond milk, creates a pudding like texture and the walnuts give it a satisfying crunch. I have always enjoyed anything with the combination of blueberries and maple syrup, such as my recipe for blueberry compote, and they don’t disappoint here. The basic idea of overnight oats is that you with no cooking you will have an amazing dessert like breakfast with only 5 minutes of prep. It is, in effect, a lazy cooks dream.
Are Overnight Oats Healthy?
If done with care, overnight oats are one of the most nutritious breakfasts out there. It is vegetarian, gluten free and follows the guidelines of the Mediterranean Diet. Besides being filling, it also fairly low in calories and high in fat which is a perfect combo for weight loss. Blueberries are one of the highest antioxidant foods. Walnuts and Chia seeds are both packed with omega 3-fats, a polyunsaturated fat that most of us are deficient in and help with everything from depression and anxiety to heart disease and inflammation. Oats, also very high in antioxidants, can decrease cholesterol and improve blood sugar. So, yes, overnight oats are indeed healthy.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?
If you made overnight oats at the beginning of the week I would try to eat them by the end of the week. I find they taste best when eaten 1 or 2 days after you make them. You can wait longer, but, after time it won’t taste as fresh and vibrant.
What Kind of Oats for Overnight Oats?
You can use most any type of oats for overnight oats, but you don’t want to use quick oats. Old fashioned rolled oats are the best. If you are gluten free, you do want to make sure the oats you are using come from a gluten free facility (the package should say this).
How to Make Blueberry Overnight Oats
These are truly the easiest breakfast recipe out there (except for putting milk on cereal). All you have to do is add all the ingredients (except the walnuts) into a bowl, cover and refrigerate. The next morning you will have breakfast waiting for you. Top with nuts and enjoy!
Blueberry Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
- 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite milk: soy, oat or cow's milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- dash of salt
- 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup roasted walnuts
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except walnuts into a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Serve topped with roasted walnuts.
Nutrition
More of our favorite Mediterranean Diet breakfasts here.
Check out our video on the traditional Spanish breakfast Pan Con Tomate.
About the Author: Bill Bradley, R.D.
Loved it. I’m the only one that will eat this so I have another for the next morning.
This is even great even as a last minute throw together on a rushed morning. I made a single serving using a softer rolled oat, and half the amount of cinnamon. Added the roasted unsalted sunflower and pumpkin seeds I usually have every morning, added strawberries along side the fresh blueberries, and I didn’t have maple syrup so I used a small drizzle of honey. Let it sit 10 minutes to let the chia seeds do a little something and it was still super good. I imagine it will be amazing when I have a chance to let it sit overnight.
To make this option gluten free, do I just purchase gluten free oatmeal?
Yes, oats, by themselves are gluten free, but if you need 100% gluten free oats than you should make sure they are made in a gluten free facility.
What Greek Yogurt would you recommend? I’m seeing options for non fat to whole milk, or even 5% milkfat.
Hi Brittany, we love the Cabot 10% milk fat Greek yogurt or the Fage brand. Hope that helps!
Question: I’m not a fan of Almond Milk, will Oat Milk work as a substitute?
Yes, absolutely
So do you eat this cold? That doesn’t sound too appetizing to me, but I’ll try it.
Hi Marian, Yes, overnight oats are generally eaten cold. It is a bit like a pudding because of the chia seeds.
I did not think the cinnamon was necessary with the other flavors (vanilla, maple syrup & blueberries). For me, the cinnamon was overpowering and a distraction, for that reason I rated the recipe a 3. Otherwise, I think it was a nice proportioned recipe so I will prepare again but without the cinnamon. Thanks for your time and effort just the same.
Glad you enjoyed it. Always go with what works for you!
Many times I have had yogurt in my morning oatmeal. Sometimes to cool it down. Other times to add more flavor. It’s tasty and seems healthful
Love it!
I didn’t check all of the ingredients, but just to oats Andy walnuts are more than 270 calories.
Hi Sharon,
You are correct, but this makes 2 servings.