Chia Overnight Oats with Strawberries and Banana

Chia Overnight Oats

Chia overnight oats should be creamy and thick enough to scoop, with softened oat flakes and chia seeds still visible. Stir the oats, chia, and milk thoroughly before refrigerating so no dry pockets or seed clumps remain. After an overnight soak, top the jar with freshly sliced strawberries and banana and a light sprinkle of chia seeds.

Ingredients for One Jar

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (40g)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (12g), plus a small pinch for topping
• 2/3 cup milk or unsweetened plant-based milk (160g), plus more if needed
• 2 medium fresh strawberries, sliced (about 35g)
• About 1/3 medium banana, sliced (about 40g)

Optional: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, or a tiny pinch of fine salt to the oat base.

How to Make Chia Overnight Oats

1. Mix the base: Combine the oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, milk, and any optional additions in a 12- to 16-ounce wide-mouth glass jar. Stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom and sides until all the oats and seeds are wet and submerged. Leave room for stirring and the fruit topping.
2. Refrigerate: Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Stir and adjust: Stir the oats. They should be soft but still visible in a creamy, spoonable mixture, with no dry spots or chia clumps. If the oats are too thick, stir in a splash of milk. If they are runny, stir in 1 teaspoon chia seeds and refrigerate for another 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Add the topping: Arrange the sliced strawberries and banana on the oats. Scatter a small pinch of chia seeds over the fruit and serve chilled.

How Thick Should Chia Overnight Oats Be?

The mixture will thicken as the oats and chia absorb the milk. When ready, it should hold on a spoon but still be easy to stir. Milk choice can affect the final thickness, so make any adjustments after the overnight soak rather than adding extra chia at the start.

Rolled Oats and Milk Choices

Old-fashioned rolled oats soften while keeping their distinct flakes. Quick oats will be softer and may turn mushy; steel-cut oats are not a direct swap for this amount of milk and soak time. Dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk can all be used, though flavor and thickness may vary.

Yogurt is not needed to thicken this version. For a yogurt-based recipe, see these high protein Greek yogurt overnight oats.

Making Jars Ahead

Refrigerate the covered, untopped oat base for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if it has become too thick. Slice the strawberries and banana just before eating so the topping looks fresh.

For a warm serving, gently warm the soaked oat base, loosening it with milk as needed, then add the fresh fruit.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per jar, calculated with 2% dairy milk and without optional additions: 335 calories, 13g protein, 10g fat, and 52g carbohydrates. Per 100g: approximately 115 calories, 5g protein, 3g fat, and 18g carbohydrates. Values vary with the milk and fruit used.