Lemon Overnight Oats

A quick and easy meal prep makes for the perfect breakfast the next morning, full of creamy, delicious overnight oats packed with lemon flavor and made from wholesome, basic ingredients. Served up as a single serving with numerous ways to adapt this overnight oat recipe, it’s sure to be a favorite healthy breakfast!

WHAT’S NEW?

One of my favorite weekends — daylight savings ending and that extra hour of sleep. I don’t squander it! I slept a solid 9-10 hour both nights this weekend and I needed it. Last week kicked my butt something fierce and we’re between soccer seasons. I have to take and enjoy the sleep while I can. My parents were also here this weekend, so I knew my mom was up with the girls because she doesn’t sleep in at all. The girls also got to try hockey this weekend which was fun for all of us to participate in and observe! We also went out to eat both nights which I didn’t mind at all after a busy week in the kitchen. Ironically, both of my girls have requested a remake of this healthy overnight oats recipe – it’s not only delicious, but there’s something so very fun about breakfast in a mason jar that wins hearts for this easy breakfast!

ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE

• Healthy: This overnight oats recipe is not only full of flavor and endless flavor combinations, but it’s full of health and all from simple ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly: There’s no denying the FUN that is overnight oats, especially when served in a cute, individual serving and topped with a child’s most favorite oat toppings.
• Make-Ahead: The simple prep can set you up for the entire week of breakfast on-the-go and no shortage of fun ways to top and enjoy!

KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Oats: Old-fashioned oats are the best oat option to have a creamy texture without being overly dense and chewy as can be the case with steel-cut oats. Other oats, such as instant oats, rolled oats, or quick oats can be used, however the result can be a bit gummy in texture.
• Almond Milk: Any milk will do – regular cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, rice milk, coconut milk, or any other dairy or non-dairy milk for that matter! Use what you have and a bonus for no added sugar. 
• Yogurt: I used a 4% milk fat (whole milk) plain Greek yogurt for the thick, protein-rich offering, however you can sub in 1/2 cup of your preferred yogurt or equal amounts of a milk of your choosing.
• Syrup: Pure maple syrup is a great compliment to lemon, however agave or honey work great, as well.
• Protein Powder: I used 365 by Whole Foods Market, a grass fed vanilla whey protein powder option offering 20 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrate, and 110 calories in 1 scoop (25 grams). This ingredient adds about 5 grams of protein per serving, however collagen peptides or another neutral or vanilla-flavored, low-sugar protein powder of your preference works great! You may also omit this ingredient, if you wish.
• Lemon: A bit of lemon zest and juice ensures a beautiful, light lemon flavor throughout!
• Chia: A bit of chia seeds serves as a thickener as well as adding additional health benefits — fiber, omega 3’s, etc. You can substitute in ground flax, hemp seeds, or poppy seeds, if you prefer.

NUTRITIONAL MERITS

• Gluten-free when using certified gluten-free oats
• Easily made dairy-free with dairy-free milk and yogurt
• Made vegan by using a plant-based protein powder and plant-based yogurt
• High in fiber, offering 5.5 grams per serving
• Rich in protein, offering 14 grams of protein per serving

FAQ 

Why did you choose unsweetened almond milk in lieu of a higher protein milk?

I love the flavor and tend to have it on hand. It’s also very low in calories and carbohydrates, however it offers a negligible amount of protein. It really depends on what you’re looking for in determining what milk to use, but the good news is that there’s no going wrong!

What toppings do you recommend for these lemon overnight oats?

I went with fresh raspberries and a bit of unsweetened coconut flakes, however fresh berries of any kind go great with lemon, especially fresh blueberries! For something extra special, a dollop of lemon curd would be a fun treat!

How can this recipe be made vegan?

Use a plant-based protein powder, often soy or pea protein-based, as well as a non-dairy yogurt, such as soy, almond, or coconut.

VARIATIONS, STORAGE, and TIPS

• This recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, or even halved.
• Store the overnight oats in an airtight container, as individual servings, or not – you choose! These oats will stay good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• These overnight oats will be on the thicker side after sitting overnight. Feel free to add a splash or plant milk or yogurt before serving.
• You can serve these oats cold, straight from the fridge, or rewarm in the microwave for 45-60 seconds.
• If you omit the lemon zest and juice, this is a fantastic base recipe that you can adapt however you so choose for those busy mornings!

Love oats so, so much! Enjoy them to the max!

• Whole Wheat Apple-Oat Breakfast Cookies
• Healthy Blender Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
• Oatmeal-Almond Breakfast Cookies
• Meyer Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups
• Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal
• No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
• Blueberry Coconut Baked Oatmeal

Be well,