Strawberry Banana Chia Oats (Print Version)

Creamy oats with strawberries, banana, and chia seeds for a nutritious and easy breakfast.

# Components:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, certified gluten-free

→ Dairy and Alternatives

02 - 1 cup milk, dairy or plant-based such as almond or oat milk
03 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt

→ Fruits

04 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and diced
05 - 1 medium ripe banana, sliced

→ Seeds and Sweeteners

06 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
07 - 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste

→ Flavorings

08 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl or jar, combine oats, chia seeds, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
02 - Gently fold in half of the strawberries and half of the banana slices into the oat mixture.
03 - Divide the mixture evenly between two jars or containers for portioning.
04 - Top each serving with the remaining strawberries and banana slices.
05 - Cover and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours to allow oats and chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid and soften.
06 - In the morning, stir gently. Add an extra splash of milk if desired for a looser consistency. Serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zero cooking required, which means you can literally make this while half asleep and still eat something nutritious.
  • It tastes like a treat but delivers real protein and fiber that actually keeps you full until lunch.
  • The hands-off preparation means more time for coffee and less time stressing before work.
02 -
  • Don't skip the salt—it sounds weird but it genuinely makes the fruit taste fruitier and prevents the whole thing from feeling like sweet mush.
  • If your oats seem too thick in the morning, add milk gradually instead of dumping a whole cup in and ending up with soup you can't fix.
03 -
  • If your oats seem too thick by morning, resist the urge to add milk all at once—stir first, then add a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
  • Toast some granola or nuts and add them right before eating instead of mixing them in overnight, because they'll stay crispy instead of turning soggy.
Return