Lemon Blueberry Overnight Oats Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness—prepping the night before means I wake up to a nutritious breakfast that feels like a treat! Plus, the tangy kick of lemon zest with juicy blueberries makes it feel like a little burst of sunshine to kickstart my day.

My day begins with delicious and nutritious Lemon Blueberry Overnight Oats. They combine 1/2 cup rolled oats with creamy almond milk and Greek yogurt for an extra boost of protein.

I add chia seeds for fiber and a tablespoon of maple syrup for sweetness. Nature’s perfect pairing—that of lemon and blueberry—takes these overnight oats to another level of flavor and nutrition.

Both the zest and juice of the lemon not only enhance the taste but also jack up the antioxidant content.

Ingredients

Rolled Oats:
A wonderful source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, keep you full.

Almond Milk:
A base of oats provides a nutty, creamy flavor that is low in calories.

Greek Yogurt:
Provides a satisfying, creamy texture with protein and probiotics.

Chia Seeds:
Rich in omega-3s, fiber, and protein, thickening agents.

Lemon Zest:
Imparts refreshing, zesty taste and an added shot of vitamin C.

Blueberries:
They are abundant in antioxidants and supply a sweet, tangy taste.

Lemon Juice:
Imparts a sharp, bright taste and boosts the total deliciousness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl or a mason jar, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to make sure the oats are completely covered.

2. Incorporate the chia seeds, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract into the oats mixture. Mix again to distribute the ingredients evenly.

3. Mix in thoroughly the lemon zest and lemon juice, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated into the mixture.

4. Blueberries should be folded in carefully to avoid crushing them if they are fresh. If using frozen blueberries, you can add them directly or thaw them slightly beforehand.

5. If needed, taste for sweetness and make adjustments with additional maple syrup or honey.

6. If using a jar, secure the container with a lid; if using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap.

7. Refrigerate the oats mixture and let it sit overnight or for at least 4 hours. This gives the oats and chia seeds time to absorb the liquid and soften.

8. In the morning, take the oats from the fridge and stir them well to blend any ingredients that might have settled.

9. Chill before serving, or if you prefer, let the oats sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take the chill off.

10. If you like, you can sprinkle some fresh blueberries on top, add some lemon zest, or drizzle on some maple syrup before you dig in. The following recipe makes enough for four servings. You can eat it four consecutive mornings or spread it out over a work week. Either way, it’s a great start to the day!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl or mason jar
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Spoon or spatula for mixing
5. Zester or microplane (for lemon zest)
6. Citrus juicer or reamer (for lemon juice)
7. Plastic wrap or jar lid
8. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Q: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?Steel-cut oats have varying textures and require longer soaking times. They are not the best for overnight oats, so use rolled oats instead.
• Q: Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?A: For a dairy-free alternative, substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt. If you want a less thick and more traditional yogurt experience, go with regular yogurt.
• Q: Can I replace almond milk with another liquid?Yes, you can use any kind of milk—whether it’s cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, or something else—according to your preference.
• Q: How long can I store these overnight oats in the refrigerator?The refrigerated overnight oats can be stored for up to three days. Serving them requires a good stir, as the refrigerated mixture can sit for some time in the not-quite-ice-cold-but-still-pretty-chilly-refrigerator. Stirring does two things:

  1. It makes sense of the oozy-oozy nature of the stirrer in the ingredients.
  2. It brings together ingredients that might, due to us not serving them overnight, separate and seemingly come undone.

• Q: Can I add any other fruits to the recipe?Absolutely! You can mix in flavor and variety by combining strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas.
• Q: What purpose do the chia seeds serve?A: Acting as a thickening agent, chia seeds add texture and are converted to gel during digestion. Thus, they provide an unusual but beneficial source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Q: Can the sweetness level be adjusted?You can absolutely alter the sweetness by using more or less maple syrup or honey, depending on what you like.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute coconut milk or soy milk for almond milk if you want a different flavor, or if you have a dietary concern that precludes the consumption of almond milk.
Use standard yogurt or a nondairy yogurt in place of Greek yogurt.
Substitute flaxseeds for chia seeds to achieve a comparable nutritional payoff.
Replace maple syrup or honey with agave syrup or brown sugar.
Substitute fresh or frozen blueberries for the fresh or frozen raspberries for a different berry twist.

Pro Tips

1. Extra Creaminess For a richer texture, consider adding a tablespoon of nut butter (such as almond or cashew) into the oat mixture. This will enhance the flavor and add healthy fats to your breakfast.

2. Flavor Enhancement Toast the rolled oats lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before mixing them with liquids. This will bring out a nutty flavor and add an extra layer of complexity to your oats.

3. Time Saver Prepare multiple servings in separate jars at once to have a quick grab-and-go breakfast ready for several days. They can usually keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

4. Texture Variation If you prefer a crunchier texture, sprinkle some granola or crushed nuts on top just before serving. This will add variety and a pleasant crunch to the creamy oats.

5. Balanced Sweetness If you find the oats are a bit too sweet in the morning, add a pinch of salt to the mixture. It can help balance the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness without additional sweeteners.