These healthy overnight oatmeal recipes make for a quick and easy grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week. If you’re looking for a healthy start to the day, overnight oatmeal in a jar is a fun way to get off on the right foot. By mixing and matching different fruit and nut combinations, you won’t tire of this convenient breakfast-on-the-go option.
I’m always looking for quick and easy protein-packed foods when I’m short on time. Healthy Overnight Oatmeal has become my best friend in the morning because I can just grab a jar from my refrigerator and breakfast is served.
Fresh fruit and nuts add fiber and nutrients as well as color, flavor and crunch, and unsweetened Silk Original Soymilk provides 8 grams of heart-healthy, plant powered protein. We have dairy intolerances in our family, so Silk Original Soymilk provides a great dairy-free alternative that’s non-GMO, naturally low in saturated fat, has no cholesterol, and tastes creamy and delicious.
What I love about healthy overnight oatmeal recipes is that you can make a batch of it at the beginning of the week and have enough to grab-and-go for the entire week. There’s no cooking involved. You can even add the fruit ahead of time to save an extra step in the morning.
I’ve come up with twenty healthy overnight oatmeal recipe combinations that will keep breakfast exciting for weeks on end (scroll down to the end of this post for all the combinations and nutrition facts). I’ll be making batches of these for my husband to take to work this summer – they’re the perfect grab-and-go breakfast.
These healthy overnight oats will give you enough energy pre-workout, fill your belly in the morning before work, and would make a great afternoon snack to tide you over until dinnertime. Each jar packs a punch of protein and fiber to keep you fueled up and control “hanger.”
Healthy Overnight Oatmeal
Try different combinations of fruits and nuts for something different each day.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups oatmeal quick or rolled
- 2 1/2 cups soy milk or almond milk or other non-dairy milk
- 5 tablespoons chia seeds
- 5 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
Toppings
- 2 1/2 cups fresh fruit
- 5 tablespoons nuts toasted
Instructions
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Scoop 1/2 cup oatmeal into each of 5 mason jars (I used 1/2 pint jars). Add 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla to each jar. Stir contents of each jar; cover and refrigerate overnight. Top each jar with 1/2 cup of fruit and 1 tablespoon of nuts.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition values do not include fruit or nuts as calorie count depends on the fruits and nuts you choose.
20 Healthy Overnight Oatmeal Recipes
Make the basic Overnight Oatmeal recipe and try any or all of these healthy overnight oatmeal recipes. Since I serve fruit to my kids at dinnertime, I just save 1/2 cup of fruit for my overnight oats for the next morning.
1. Cherry Almond Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen), 1 tablespoon toasted sliced almonds (331 calories; 10.4 g fiber; 12.6 g protein)
2. Blueberry Cashew Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup blueberries, 1 tablespoon toasted cashews (294 calories; 7.1 g fiber; 11.1 g protein)
3. Blackberry Pecan Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup blackberries, 1 tablespoon toasted pecans (283 calories; 9.5 g fiber; 10.6 g protein)
4. Papaya Coconut Cashew Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup diced papaya, 1 teaspoon toasted coconut flakes, 1 tablespoon toasted cashews (307 calories; 7.4 g fiber; 11.2 g protein)
5. Cantaloupe Hazelnut Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup diced cantaloupe, 1 tablespoon hazelnuts (276 calories; 6.4 g fiber; 10.7 g protein)
6. Kiwi Coconut Cashew Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup sliced kiwi, 1 teaspoon toasted coconut flakes, 1 tablespoon toasted cashews (313 calories; 8.1 g fiber; 11.6 g protein)
7. Peach Almond Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup diced peaches, 1 tablespoon toasted sliced almonds (273 calories; 7 g fiber; 11.1 g protein)
8. Cranberry Walnut Overnight Oatmeal – 1 tablespoon dried cranberries (add to oatmeal mixture and soak overnight to rehydrate), 1 tablespoon toasted walnuts (274 calories; 5.9 g fiber; 10.1 g protein)
9. Strawberry Pumpkin Seed Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup chopped strawberries, 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds (353 calories; 10.5 g fiber; 15.2 g protein)
10. Pear Pistachio Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup chopped pears, 1 tablespoon toasted pistachios (324 calories; 8.6 g fiber; 12.1 g protein)
11. Apple Pecan Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup chopped apples, 1 tablespoon toasted pecans (285 calories; 7.2 g fiber; 9.8 g protein)
12. Raspberry Almond Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup raspberries, 1 tablespoon toasted sliced almond (319 calories; 12.9 g fiber; 12.7 g protein)
13. Mango Coconut Macadamia Nut Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup chopped mango, 1 teaspoon toasted coconut flakes, 1 tablespoon macadamia nuts (364 calories; 10.3 g fiber; 11.9 g protein)
14. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oatmeal– 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter), 1/2 cup sliced banana (371 calories; 8.4 g fiber; 13.7 g protein)
15. Date Pecan Overnight Oatmeal – 2 tablespoons chopped dates, 1 tablespoon toasted pecans (331 calories; 7.6 g fiber; 10.2 g protein)
16. Apricot Pistachio Overnight Oatmeal– 1/2 cup diced apricot, 1 tablespoon toasted pistachios (322 calories; 8 g fiber; 13 g protein)
17. Pumpkin, Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Seed Overnight Oatmeal – 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin spice, 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds (307 calories; 7.7 g fiber; 13.9 g protein)
18. Pineapple Macadamia Nut Overnight Oatmeal  – 1/2 cup chopped pineapple, 1 tablespoon toasted macadamia nuts (307 calories; 6.9 g fiber; 10.1 g protein)
19. Banana Walnut Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup sliced bananas, 1 tablespoon toasted walnuts (317 calories; 7.4 g fiber; 10.9 g protein)
20. Nectarine Hazelnut Overnight Oatmeal – 1/2 cup chopped nectarines, 1 tablespoon toasted hazelnuts (281 calories; 6.9 g fiber; 10.8 g protein)
I hope you enjoy these healthy overnight oatmeal recipes. What’s your favorite combination?
This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
rachel@ atheltic avocado says
yay this is awesome! I am always looking for new ways to make overnight oats! pinning!
Jeanette says
Thanks Rachel – there are so many variations that I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of overnight oats 🙂
Shannon says
What kind of oatmeal do you buy?
Jeanette says
You can use either rolled oats or quick-cooking oats. The texture will just be a bit different depending on which one you choose.
Adita says
Could steel cut oats work?
Jeanette says
I haven’t tried this with steel cut oats, but I am guessing they would be much chewier.
Heather Hutchison says
I always use steel cut and it’s much more filling and still just as good!
Jeanette says
Thanks for sharing Heather!
Mel says
Hello! How long would these keep in the fridge?
Jeanette says
These should keep 3-4 days in the fridge.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I only recently became obsessed with overnight oats, but now I can’t get enough. So happy to see so many great recipes for them!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
They all sound fantastic to me. I love particularly the ones with summer berries.
Jeanette says
Thanks Angie – I love berries too, something I look forward to every summer!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Overnight oats are a staple!
Jeanette says
Definitely a quick and easy go-to breakfast!
McKenzie Hall says
Love, love, love overnight oat recipes! The pistachio/pear combo is calling my name — can’t wait to try that one!
Jeanette says
I hope you enjoy the pistachios pear combination McKenzie
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Jeanette, I love all of these!!! such great ideas for breakfast!!!
Jeanette says
Thanks Alice! Always looking for ways to mix up breakfast in our house!
Cookin Canuck says
It really is such a crazy time of year and I always appreciate having make-ahead recipes on hand. These oats look fantastic!
Kelly says
These look perfect! I love all the variations! Overnight oats are my favorite around this time of year!
Helene D'Souza says
apricot pistachio oatmeals sounds like a great combination. 🙂
Liz@Virtually Homemade says
Love overnight oats and what amazing flavor combinations!
Ryan says
How many days it can be keeped in refrigerator?
Jeanette says
I think it should keep fine in the refrigerator for 4-5 days as long as you’re using milk that’s well before it’s expiration date.
Judy Vidakovich says
Do you add the nuts and fruit when you make them or wait and add fruit and nuts the morning when you eat one?
Jeanette says
You can add the fruit and nuts when you make these, but some fruits keep better than others, so plan accordingly (e.g., bananas will turn brown, so I would eat that one first). Some nuts stay crunchier than others (e.g., walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts vs. sliced almonds). For convenience, I like to just add both fruit and nuts when making these. Dried fruits would work great too.
Donna says
What about frozen fruit? Add when you make it?
Jeanette says
You can use frozen fruit, but the consistency of the fruit will probably be a little mushy. You can make these several days in advance
Samantha says
Does it matter what type of oats you use? Steel cut? Instant?
Jeanette says
I would use regular rolled oats or instant. I don’t think steel cut oats would soften as much.
Carol says
Do you use regular quick cook oats or the old fashioned oats (which I use to make cooked oatmeal with)? Also I am assuming that regular milk can be used if it is well with in its expiration date.
Jeanette says
Carol, you can use either quick cook oats or old fashioned oats. The old fashioned oats will be a bit chewier. Regular milk can be used too.
Tangelia says
Great recipes! Can you please tell me how long they will be good in the fridge? Thank you!
Jeanette says
I would keep them in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Mary says
Hello there! 🙂
Thanks for the amazing combinations. When you assemble the jar, you mean 1/2 cup dry oats right? Would this be tasty if I just put water instead of the milk?
Thanks!
Jeanette says
Hi Mary – yes, 1/2 cup dry oats per jar. You could certainly use water instead of milk, although it will not be as “creamy”
Laura Clendenning says
I love how easy these are and that they provide so much variety! I will share this with my readers. Thank you!
Jeanette says
Thanks Laura – appreciate it!
Celine says
I love overnight oats and all of the combos.
I use Greek yogurt in mine too to give it that extra bit of sustenance
Jeanette says
Thanks for sharing this Celine – Greek yogurt is an excellent idea – great for adding protein.
Rachel says
Thank you for so many options! I just put together 4 jars (all the jars I had!) Will the mixture expand? I think I used smaller jars…I wasn’t sure of the size.
Thanks! Rachel
Jeanette says
The mixture will absorb the liquid so it will expand a little. Enjoy!
Lindsey says
Are you supposed to cook the oatmeal before putting it into the mason jars, or put the uncooked oats in?
Jeanette says
The oats are uncooked – the texture of the oats will not be like cooked oats – they will soften some. If you are looking for cooked oats, you might like this recipe: https://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/dyi-homemade-instant-oatmeal/
Kevin says
Are you supposed to cook the oatmeal prior to putting it into the mason jars, or uncooked ?
Jeanette says
The oats are uncooked – the texture of the oats will not be like cooked oats – they will soften some. If you are looking for cooked oats, you might like this recipe: https://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/dyi-homemade-instant-oatmeal/
Deanna says
Jeanettte,I can’t tell you how excited I was to discover your recipes for overnight oats! I currently struggle feeding 3 sugar addicted sons anything good for them.I whipped up as many varieties as I had fruit,nuts,etc&cannot wait to hear the reviews!You may have salved breakfast!
DEANNA
Jeanette says
Hi Deanna – I hope your kids enjoy this for breakfast!
Karen says
CAn you heat it up in the morning or do you do you eat it cold
Jeanette says
You can eat it cold or heat it up in the morning.
David Johnston says
Do you have to use glass canning jars? Would plastic containers work for this?
Jeanette says
You can use plastic containers too – just don’t heat it up in the plastic if you choose to eat this warm.
Colette Hiser says
I love the of these recipes. My problem is my nut allergy. What would you recommend as a but substitute for these?
Jeanette says
If you can have seeds, try hemp seeds or chia seeds. Otherwise, you can just leave them out.
Cheryl says
Can you use regular milk? My husband will not drink anything that doesn’t come from a cow. LOL Also what about using oat bran?
Jeanette says
Yes regular milk would work, no problem. I’ve never used oat bran before in this recipe, but I’m guessing it would work too.
Cheryl says
My husband won’t eat oatmeal cold. Have you ever heated it before eating?
Danny says
How long can you keep them in the fridge
Jeanette says
It should keep for 3-4 days
Georgia says
Hi Jeanette, what size jars do you reccommend (ml wise)? Thank you!
Jeanette says
I used 1/2 pint jars which convert to ~237 ml jars. So, if you are buying jars in ml, I would use at least that size.
America says
Hi Just Wondering if I make quick oats. After a few hours just didn’t want to wait overnight.
Jeanette says
Quick oats should hydrate much faster than regular oats so I’m guessing a couple of hours would be sufficient.
Regina says
I Didn’t really like the texture the chia seeds gave to the oatmeal; felt slimy to me. So I tried again, nixing the seeds. I also changed maple syrup to honey, added cinnamon and just a bit of brown sugar. I also used almond milk. 2nd version was better for me.
Jeanette says
Thanks for sharing your version Regina – love the touch of cinnamon.
Cassidy says
So when you make the overnight oats you do the first part, the oats, chia seeds, etc. for every one right? Sorry just now trying this!
Jeanette says
Yes – the fruit is added when you’re ready to eat the next day.
Sammy says
Fantastic choice of fruit and nuts. Can you tell me the carbohydrates in a serving of the oats, please?
Jeanette says
There are about 33 grams of carbohydrates in 1/2 cup of oats (1 serving per this recipe)
Angela says
Awesome ideas thanks! Just wondering is the calories count for the Berries and nuts in brackets there… Is that the final calorie count with the oats as well or just for the Berries and nuts?
Jeanette says
Hi Angela, those are the approximate calorie counts with the oats, fruit and nuts
Angela Chesterfield says
THANKS!
Jeanette says
You’re welcome 🙂
Amanda says
Can you add honey instead of maple syrup?
Jeanette says
Sure honey should work just fine
Natalie says
Thanks for sharing the recipes! I was wondering how you get to the result of 207 calories per serving? I entered the recipe manually in myfitnesspal, just the base recipe without any topping, and I ended up with 273 calories. And in this case I already cut down the chia seeds from 5 to 3 tablespoons, to try and cut on the calories…
Jeanette says
Hi Natalie, I am using a built-in recipe calculator so I am not sure what the discrepancy is. Please note, the calculation does not include any fruits or nuts as this week depend on what you decide to include.
Nayanika says
Do you heat the jar contents in the morning?
Jeanette says
I have not done that, but that is a great idea as long as your glass/containers are heat-proof