Lemon Blueberry Overnight Oats

These lemon blueberry overnight oats are a great make-ahead breakfast! They’re a good source of protein and fiber, and they come together with just a few minutes of prep.

I love overnight oats, especially when I need something quick and easy. I prep a jar or two the night before, and then I have a simple breakfast to grab the next day. This one is a great source of protein and fiber, so it really does keep me full until lunch!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Rolled oats– Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats work best in this recipe. Quick-cooking oats tend to break down too much when sitting overnight.
• Milk– I used almond milk, but you can use dairy, coconut, or any milk you prefer. If I want to add extra protein, I’ll use Fairlife milk or soymilk.
• Vanilla– A little vanilla extract helps add sweetness.
• Yogurt- I used blueberry Greek yogurt for extra thickness and sweetness. You could use vegan yogurt like Tezza if you want to keep it plant-based.
• Maple syrup- A little sweetener can be used, if needed.
• Salt– A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor.
• Berries– I used fresh blueberries but frozen works well, too.
• Chia seeds- These are a great way to add healthy fats and fiber. Plus, it thickens the oats! If you don’t have chia seeds, you can leave them out.
• Lemon– A little lemon juice and lemon zest add a nice citrus flavor.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Overnight Oats

1. Start with the dry stuff. Add the oats, chia seeds, and salt to a jar and stir to combine. Doing this first keeps the chia from clumping later.
2. Add everything else. In goes the yogurt, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and maple syrup. Give it a good stir, scraping the bottom of the jar.
3. Cover and chill. Refrigerate overnight, or at least 4 hours. The oats need that time to soften and the chia needs it to do its thing.
4. Morning. Give it a stir, add a splash more milk if you want it looser, and top with fresh blueberries.

Tips for the Best Overnight Oats

• Use a jar with a lid you can shake. A wide-mouth pint mason jar is perfect. If the lid seals well, you can skip the stirring and just shake it for 10 seconds. I have these glass jars and they work great!
• Zest before you juice. Zesting a squeezed lemon half is a miserable experience. Learn from my mistakes and zest the lemon first!
• Save the blueberries for morning. If you stir them in the night before, they bleed purple into everything and go a little soft. I recommend adding the berries right before you eat your oats. (I even like stirring in frozen blueberries!)

Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, aka the “good” fats. They are also a great source of fiber at 10 grams per ounce. They contain protein as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. It’s a great way to add a nutritional boost to your oats. If you have leftover chia seeds, try this chia seed pudding recipe!

How to Store Overnight Oats

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re best on days one through three. They thicken as they sit, so by day three you’ll definitely want that splash of extra milk. Add the fresh blueberries the morning you’re eating them rather than at the start of the week. If you’re prepping several jars, label the lids with the day. I wouldn’t freeze these. The texture comes out grainy and it’s just not worth it when the whole thing takes five minutes to make fresh.

Topping Ideas

I used fresh blueberries and lemon zest, but this is also delicious with a sprinkle of nuts and granola. You could also add shredded coconut or even a drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter. If you need a granola recipe, try my oil-free granola, oatmeal cookie granola, or my grain-free granola. Have fun with the toppings!

Print

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do overnight oats have to sit overnight? No, the oats will be ready after just a few hours. But they can be soaked overnight, so you can make the oats in advance if you like. They’re a great meal prep recipe!
• Can I use steel cut oats? No, steel cut oats don’t soften like rolled oats. But if you have steel cut oats to use, try my baked steel cut oats!
• Can I double the recipe? You sure can! You can make a larger batch and scoop out each serving as needed or you can prepare it in separate jars.
• Do I have to use a mason jar? No. Any small container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a Pyrex container, will work fine. You can also repurpose containers like glass yogurt or spaghetti sauce jars! While the recipe makes about 1 cup of oats, I recommend using a larger container so you can easily mix the ingredients.
• Can I heat up my overnight oats? Yes! If you like warm oats, microwave them for a minute or two before eating them.

More Overnight Oat Recipes

• Strawberry Overnight Oats
• Peach Overnight Oats
• Banana Bread Overnight Oats
• Peanut Butter Overnight Oats