Overnight Oats With Strawberries And Yogurt

Name: Overnight Oats With Strawberries And Yogurt
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular); 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Simple Cooking

I absolutely love starting my day with a healthy yet delicious breakfast, and overnight oats with strawberries and yogurt have become my favorite choice. The combination of creamy yogurt, fresh strawberries, and nutritious oats creates a wholesome meal that keeps me energized throughout the morning. It’s so simple to put together the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile breakfast option that never gets boring.

Created by

Willow Harries

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:43:34.896Z

When I first tried my hand at overnight oats, I was skeptical. Could something so simple really be satisfying? To my delight, these oats filled me up and tasted wonderful, especially with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. The key is letting them soak long enough, as this allows the oats to absorb all the flavors and become perfectly creamy.

One of my favorite tips is to mix in a little honey or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness, but it's optional depending on your taste preference. Experimenting with toppings like nuts or seeds can add delightful crunch and extra nutrition!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly balanced flavors with creamy yogurt and fresh strawberries
Customizable for any flavor profile or dietary needs
Ready in just a few minutes for a hassle-free morning

      

Preparing Your Oats

When making overnight oats, the type of oats you use is crucial. Rolled oats are ideal because they absorb liquid well while still retaining some texture. Instant oats can turn mushy, while steel-cut oats will remain too firm unless soaked for an extended period. For best results, ensure your oats are fresh—they should smell nutty, not stale.

Mixing the ingredients thoroughly is key to achieving a uniform consistency. The oats should be evenly coated in the liquid, which helps them hydrate properly overnight. If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to increase the yogurt ratio or try a thicker variety like Greek yogurt, which also adds a nice protein boost.

Customization Options

The beauty of overnight oats lies in their versatility. While strawberries are delightful, you can swap in your favorite fruits such as blueberries, bananas, or even peaches. If you want to make it seasonal, mix in a handful of dried fruit like cranberries in the fall or top with fresh mango in the summer. Don't hesitate to experiment with spices too; a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth.

For a touch of crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds upon serving. Chia seeds, walnuts, or sliced almonds provide a satisfying contrast to the creaminess of the yogurt and oats. This way, you can change the texture and enhance the nutritional value without complicating your base recipe. Just be sure to keep any toppings separate until you're ready to eat to avoid sogginess.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your overnight oats:

Main Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your overnight oats:

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed.

Layer the Strawberries

In two jars or bowls, layer the oat mixture, adding a layer of sliced strawberries in between. Finish with any remaining strawberries on top.

Refrigerate

Cover the jars or bowls and refrigerate them overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the oats to soak up the liquid.

Serve

In the morning, give the oats a good stir, then enjoy cold or at room temperature. You can also add additional toppings if desired.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chia seeds or nut butter. You can also swap the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries or bananas, based on what you have on hand.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Overnight oats are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare multiple jars at once and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just layer the ingredients in jars or airtight containers, and your breakfast is ready to go for busy mornings. This can save you time while ensuring you stick to a healthy routine.

If you want to keep the oats fresh, store the layers separately. Place the base mixture in one container and the toppings in another for optimal texture when serving. If you know you'll have leftovers, just add fruits and nuts the night before serving to maintain their freshness.

Troubleshooting Your Oats

If you find your overnight oats too thick in the morning, simply stir in a splash of milk or yogurt to loosen the mixture to your preferred consistency. Conversely, if they are too runny, you can add more oats or even a spoonful of chia seeds to absorb excess liquid in a pinch. Creativity goes a long way in fixing texture issues.

Remember, some combinations may require adjustments based on personal tastes or dietary restrictions. For example, if you're looking to lower sugar, consider sweetening with mashed bananas or using a sugar substitute that you enjoy. Tasting the mixture before refrigerating can help you gauge the flavor, allowing you to tailor it to your liking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make overnight oats in advance?

Yes, you can prepare multiple servings in advance. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! Just remember to thaw them before layering, as they'll release some juices while doing so.

→ Are overnight oats gluten-free?

To make overnight oats gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free oats.

→ Can I substitute yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute yogurt with any non-dairy yogurt or omit it entirely if you prefer. The oats will still be delicious!