These strawberry overnight oats are a great meal prep idea for healthy weeknight breakfasts. Not only are they quick and easy to make but they are packed full of protein and fiber to create a well-balanced meal.

As soon as the warm weather beings I trade in my warm bowl of oatmeal for overnight oats. While they are essentially the same thing, cold overnight oats are just so much more appealing when the temperature starts to rise and I no longer feel like turning on the stove. Plus, nothing quite says summer flavors like fresh seasonal berries, which is what makes these strawberry overnight oats the perfect summer breakfast.

Ingredients for Strawberry Overnight Oats:

Strawberries: You can use fresh or frozen strawberries for overnight oats. If using fresh, I suggest dicing them into bite-size pieces. If using frozen strawberries, once left overnight they will thaw into a jam-like texture so there is no need to cut them before adding them to your oats.
Oats: It is best to use rolled oats or quick-cooking oats for overnight oats as they will soften best in the liquid to provide the best texture. I do not recommend using steel-cut oats for overnight oats. If you need to make the recipe gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Yogurt: To help increase the protein content of the overnight oats, I recommend using Greek yogurt or skyr yogurt, however, any plain yogurt will work. If you want to make the recipe dairy-free, I would recommend using coconut yogurt, while it will alter the taste it won’t affect the texture.
Milk: I used 2% cow’s milk in my recipes, however, you could easily use almond milk or coconut milk if needed.
Chia Seeds: To add some healthy fats and ensure the oats are extra thick and have a rich texture.
Sweetener: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Toppings: Feel free to add any additional toppings you like; a drizzle of almond butter, coconut flakes, or, if you’re feeling cheeky, a small handful of chocolate chips would pair nicely!

How to Make Strawberry Overnight Oats

To begin, add rolled oats or quick-cooking oats to a jar.
Cover the oats with milk and regular or Greek yogurt and stir to combine.
Add a splash of vanilla, a drizzle of honey, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt, and stir again until well combined.
Add the diced fresh strawberries and mix until well incorporated.
Cover the jar with a lid and transfer the oats to the fridge overnight.
In the morning, remove the lid, give the oats a good stir, add additional toppings as needed, and serve!

Once prepared, the oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days before serving, which makes them a great meal prep idea for a week’s worth of healthy breakfast.

Can Frozen Strawberries be used in Overnight Oats?

You can use fresh or frozen strawberries in overnight oats. While frozen strawberries will create a slightly runnier texture, given the additional liquid that is released as the berries thaw, either option will work well in these strawberry overnight oats.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for overnight oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats instead of rolled oats for overnight oats. Quick oats absorb liquid must quicker (no surprise) than rolled oats or old-fashioned oats so they actually don’t need to sit as long and can be ready in an hour as opposed to overnight. Therefore, quick oats are a great choice if you need to make overnight oats in the morning before you head out the door to the office.

Preparation and Storage Tips

Here are some of my top tips to create delicious and nutritious overnight oats.

If you’re making them for meal prep, overnight oats keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so make a big batch on a Sunday and you’ll have breakfast ready for the week.

To reduce mess and clean-up, make overnight oats directly in the jar or container from which you will eat them.

To preserve the oats as long as possible, use a jar or container with an airtight lid.

If making them several days in advance, the oats may separate from the milk and yogurt in the fridge before it’s time to eat. While it may not look appealing, it’s not a problem, just give them a good stir when you’re ready to eat them and they will be as good as new!

If you’re traveling to the office or work with your breakfast, not to worry, overnight oats can be left at temperature for up 4 hours. So you’ve got plenty of time to get from fridge to office breakfast with your strawberry overnight oats without concern.

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