Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened or your preferred variety)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup dairy-free yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a mason jar or a bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Stir well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and everything is well mixed.
- Sweeten (Optional):
- If you prefer your oats to be sweeter, add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or agave nectar and stir well.
- Cover and Refrigerate:
- Cover the jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Place it in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Add Toppings:
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Top the oats with sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of flaxseeds. You can also add a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for extra creaminess if desired.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your overnight oats directly from the jar or transfer them to a bowl.
Tips:
- Meal Prep: You can prepare multiple jars at once for a quick grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.
- Customization: Feel free to mix and match toppings such as other fruits, nuts, seeds, or nut butter according to your taste preferences.
- Temperature: Overnight oats can be enjoyed cold directly from the fridge or warmed up slightly in the microwave if you prefer a warm breakfast.
This easy and nutritious breakfast option is perfect for busy mornings, providing you with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber to start your day off right.
Benefits of this Recipe:
- High in Fiber: Rolled oats, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full longer.
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds and flaxseeds provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Fresh strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and protect against chronic diseases.
- Protein-Packed: The combination of oats, chia seeds, and optional dairy-free yogurt offers a good amount of plant-based protein to support muscle health and repair.
- Easy and Convenient: This make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings, providing a quick, nutritious meal that can be enjoyed on the go.
Nutritive Value (Per Serving – Estimated):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 9g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Vitamin A: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 60% of the DV
- Calcium: 20% of the DV
- Iron: 15% of the DV
This overnight oats recipe provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it an ideal choice for a healthy and satisfying breakfast.