Overnight Water-Based Oats with Chia and Fresh Strawberry Topping Recipe

Introduction

Overnight oats with water is a simple, healthy breakfast that requires no milk but still delivers creamy texture and great flavor. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a dairy-free or low-fat option that can be prepared the night before for a quick morning meal.

Ingredients

• ½ cup old fashioned oats (*see notes)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• ¾ cup water
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt of choice (dairy-free, vegan, Greek, etc.)
• Tiny pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the oats, chia seeds, water, maple syrup, yogurt, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl or mason jar. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
2. Step 2: Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the oats to soften and absorb the liquid.
3. Step 3: Taste the oats and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup.
4. Step 4: Serve the oats with your choice of toppings for added flavor and texture.
5. Step 5: To prepare the strawberry puree, place fresh strawberries and maple syrup into a food processor and pulse a few times until smooth. Alternatively, mash the strawberries with the back of a fork, then spoon over the oats before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use rolled oats, not instant, to ensure the best texture overnight.
• Swap plain yogurt with any dairy-free or flavored yogurt to customize taste.
• Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds in the morning for extra crunch.
• Replace strawberries with other fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries or mango.

Storage

Store the prepared overnight oats covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before eating and add a splash of water or yogurt if the mixture is too thick. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Fresh fruit toppings are best added right before serving for maximum freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of water for creamier oats?

Yes, using milk or a plant-based alternative will create a creamier texture, but this recipe works well with just water and yogurt for a lighter option.

Do I need to soak the chia seeds separately?

No, chia seeds will absorb moisture as they sit with the oats overnight, so no separate soaking is necessary.

Overnight Water-Based Oats with Chia and Fresh Strawberry Topping Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

A simple and nutritious recipe for overnight oats made with water and enriched with chia seeds, maple syrup, and your choice of plain yogurt. This easy no-cook breakfast is lightly sweetened, customizable with fresh strawberries, and perfect for a quick, healthy start to your day.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• ½ cup old fashioned oats
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• ¾ cup water
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt of choice (dairy-free, vegan, Greek, etc.)
• Tiny pinch of salt (optional)

Strawberry Topping

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or mason jar, thoroughly stir together the oats, chia seeds, water, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, plain yogurt, and a pinch of salt if using until evenly mixed.
2. Refrigerate: Cover the mixture with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.
3. Adjust Sweetness: After chilling, taste the oats and add more maple syrup or sweetener if desired, stirring to combine.
4. Serve: Top the soaked oats with your favorite toppings for added flavor and texture.
5. Prepare Strawberry Puree (Optional): To make the strawberry topping, place 1 cup of fresh strawberries and 1 tablespoon maple syrup in a food processor. Pulse a few times until the strawberries form a smooth puree. Alternatively, mash the strawberries with a fork for a chunkier texture. Spoon the puree over the oats before serving.

Notes

• Old fashioned oats are preferred for the best texture, but rolled oats may also work.
• The recipe uses water instead of milk to keep it dairy-free, but plain yogurt adds creaminess and protein.
• You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or preferred sweeteners.
• Adding chia seeds boosts the fiber content and helps thicken the mixture.
• Adjust the soaking time based on your texture preference; longer soaking results in softer oats.
• Feel free to swap strawberries for other fresh or frozen berries or fruits.

Keywords: overnight oats, no-cook breakfast, chia seeds, dairy-free, vegan option, healthy breakfast, easy oats recipe