These Strawberry Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds are a sweet and nutritious breakfast you’ll look forward to eating! Gluten-free, dairy-free, and versatile they’re, perfect for the whole family.
Overnight Oats = Easy Breakfast!
Do you make overnight oats? They’re one of our favorite meal prep recipes! There are tons of variations, but these strawberry overnight oats are one of our absolute favorite. Perfect for summer and spring when fresh berries are in season!
All you have to do is combine the ingredients and refrigerate overnight. Make a big batch, divide it into mason jars, and you’ll have make-ahead breakfast options to grab and go all week. Even better, loaded with nutrients and fiber, these oats are hearty enough to keep you full for hours.
You may never go back to warm oatmeal again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information!
- Oats – Use gluten-free rolled oats, not other types of oats. Otherwise, they won’t absorb the liquid properly.
Pro-Tip: Look for oats that are certified gluten-free and glyphosate-free to eliminate the risk of cross contamination with any other gluten-containing products or pesticides.
- Fresh Strawberries – Serve these on top for texture, nutrients, fiber, and flavor! Strawberries are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and folate!
- Flavor Enhancers – Add a splash of vanilla to enhance the sweetness of the oats. Then, include ground cinnamon for extra warmth, if desired.
- Chia Seeds – These thicken the consistency and add omega 3 fatty acids along with fiber and plant based protein to make these strawberry overnights extra filling.
- Sweetener – Honey or maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness without the need for refined sugar.
- Non-Dairy Milk – Feel free to substitute non-dairy cream or coconut yogurt for a richer flavor and creamier texture if preferred.
- Optional Mix-Ins – Enhance the taste and texture of your strawberry overnight oats with extra mix-ins! Some of our favorites include drippy nut or seed butter, dark chocolate chips, protein powder, and collagen.
How to Make Strawberry Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds
- Combine. Add the oats, milk, cream, chia seeds, salt, vanilla, and maple syrup to a small mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Chill. Transfer the oats to the fridge to soak overnight. Then, enjoy the oats cold from a bowl the next day or divide into jars for meal prep!
Note: Soaking oats, especially in apple cider vinegar or yogurt helps neutralize the phytic acid, which can make it harder for our bodies to absorb nutrients. As a result, soaking oats allows us to better absorb the vitamins and nutrients present in the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry overnight oats are plenty flavorful and filling on their own, but our favorite part is the toppings! Some of our favorite toppings and mix-ins include:
- Extra Strawberries
- Coconut Flakes
- Dark Chocolate Chips
- Chopped Nuts
- Nut or Seed Butter
- Dairy-Free Whipped Cream
- Granola
- Strawberry Preserves or Strawberry Jam
More of Our Favorite
Gluten-Free Recipes with Oats
Common Questions
Let the oats soak for at least two hours or ideally overnight to allow the oats plenty of time to absorb the liquid and expand.
Stored in an airtight container overnight oats will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. However, we recommend eating them within three as they can become a little soggy the longer they sit.
Sure! If you prefer warm oats, transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe bowl, and warm them up before serving. Add a few splashes of milk as needed.
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
Yes, if you’re not a fan of the chunky texture, feel free to transfer the oats to a blender, and pulse until smooth.
Strawberry Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make these easy gluten-free strawberry overnight oats with chia seeds for a flavorful, nutritious meal prep breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup gluten free rolled oats
- ⅓ cup sliced strawberries + extra for topping
- 1 cup non dairy milk (or ¾ cup milk + 3 to 4 Tablespoons non dairy cream or yogurt)
- 2 Tablespoons chia seed
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Dash cinnamon (optional)
- Optional Mix ins (after soaking) – drippy nut or seed butter, dark chocolate chips, protein powder, collagen, etc.
Instructions
Nutrition Tip – Adding small amounts of acid liquid such as vinegar or lemon juice is said to activate phytase, an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid.
- Combine the oats, strawberries, milk, chia seed, maple syrup, vanilla, and optional lemon juice/apple cider vinegar into a small mixing bowl. Mix well and then let the oats soak overnight in the fridge (or at least 2 hours if wanting to eat it that day).
- Remove from the fridge and spoon into two bowls or into two meal prep containers. Add sliced strawberries on top, and if desired, a splash of milk and maple syrup for a creamier texture.
- Store oats in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
Storage Tip – The oatmeal will expand and create more volume overnight.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Category: breakfast
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 257
- Sugar: 7.5 g
- Sodium: 96.7 mg
- Fat: 5.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 8.6 g
- Protein: 7.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
This was totally delicious! I’m usually not a big fan of these kinds of things… it’s a texture thing. But I really love the benefits of chia and keep trying. Loved the oats and chia combo. It removed the texture issue for me. 1 tbsp maple syrup was plenty to sweeten. I did not put fruit in my to sit overnight and the ‘based’ recipe is perfect for three servings in the fridge. I made in a large mason jar and then scooped into a bowl for serving each day. This was I could change up the fruit and nuts based on my craving of the day. This will be a staple in my gluten, dairy, sugar free recipe book. Thank you!
OH yay! I am so glad you enjoyed it Shannon! I sometimes add toasted coconut for a little crunch, if you’re looking for that.
I LOvE the addition of chia seeds! I might swap tahini for the almond butter just to up the chia goodness in this breakfast. Thanks for the inspiration!
yes, i’ve use tahini too! both work great. Let me know if you try it!
2010 WAS ages ago!!! It’s so weird to think… 6 years is a quarter of my life. oh my God.
Also you guys are both crazy and so inspiring. I definitely would not wake up at 4;45 unless it was to catch a plane to Mexico heh heh heh.
Love the addition of sesame seeds. I often think of it more of a dinner topping (i.e. salmon), but can see how it would be delicious in oatmeal
Haha well you have lots more life to go! Yay! And I say we hop a plane to Mexico
I love overnight oats especially in the warmer weather. I am always looking for new combinations. I recently found an almond / coconut combo milk and seriously like it. So glad the fresh strawberries are back.
Love that combo too! So dreamy
I actually ate oatmeal for the first time in like ten years. Yes, I’m probably one of the few HLB bloggers who doesn’t eat oatmeal or oats in a jar for that matter. I didn’t hate them, and I really dig your flavor profile here.
Haha I’ve never done oats in a jar: and I’m the blogger who dislikes FROYO. Gasp!
I could go for some summery, Texas weather right about now! Here in Connecticut it’s about forty degrees and gloomy 😐
how about you come here for spring then i come there for summer? best of both worlds!
Oh my goodness, this looks delicious! Sounds satisfying and filling, too– what a perfect breakfast.
Oh wow, Lindsay! I would have never thought to put honey, chia seeds and strawberries together in oatmeal. I cannot wait to try this! Thank you for such a unique recipe. 🙂
thank you friend. I hope you like it!
Oh my, Texas heat?! I HEAR ya! Growing up, our Spring break was in March and they were always HOT! My family comes here during Summer to escape. It’s one thing I don’t miss about living in TX. No doubt 2010 sounded crazy! Isn’t it funny how when you look back at times like that and wonder how you ever did it all!? Lindsay, we’ve been eating overnight oats for a long time.. so I love all the information you’ve shared here. It’s the ultimate fast food! I love how you’ve added sesame seeds and coconut milk! I’ve done neither and coconut milk? OH Yeah!!! Can’t wait to stir in these things. Thank you for this my dear!
do you think i could come visit you for the summer? haha i;m scared of our summer already.I’ll bring coconut milk and sesame and we can have an oatmeal party. Mmm k? xxoo
This looks so yummy I may actually eat it. I’ve always loved the idea of overnight oats, but I just can’t deal with the consistency. This looks magical though!
you mean the porridge like consistency? do you like thicker or thinner batter? you can totally adjust them.
I love using coconut milk in my overnight oats! I’ve been more into steel cut overnight oats, vs quick, but all the ingredients is making me want to try just quick by itself again. It sounds so amazing and I love the nutrients!!
oh yes, those oats make it even thicker! love that ash!
Oooooooh, this flavour combination sounds so so good! The freshness of strawberries goes so well with nutty flavours!
yes, love the nutty texture too. I”m nutty! haha thanks Kristy!
Give me all the science talk Lindsay I love it!! And I love overnight oats, seriously the best breakfast a girl could ask for on a busy morning!! I have to try the sesame seed strawberry combo, sounds delish!
yes! totally knew you’d approve sam! thanks
We love overnight oatmeal over here and we never reheat it! I’m always of killing the beneficial bacteria!
I love the strawberry/sesame combo!
haha yes! so smart!Keep that good bacteria active!
This caught my eye on Instagram and I just had to check out the recipe! I have been trying to start getting in the habit of making overnight oats, I find it is so much more satisfying to eat in these hot mornings that are coming, and I loved the addition of seasame seeds. It would make such a nice change in flavor when you get tired of the typical ones, and I love that it has a nice calorie count, I have found big breakfasts to be the best, especially after morning workouts!
Totally! I’m starved post morning workout. Let me know if you try it Hilary!
Errr merrr gersh!!! I need these in my life! I am in such a breakfast rut right now and these would make my life so much easier AND tastier! 🙂
I feed you! <3 come over
First, I had no idea people ate overnight oats warm lol! I’ve always eaten my cold hehe; ) Second, I LOVE sesame so will definitely be giving this combo a try!! And third, we’ve been watching a lot of Fixer Upper and now my hubby is obsessed with looking up homes for sale in Waco 😀 Don’t think we would actually move since it’s far from family, but a girl can dream 😉 Have a wonderful week friend ~XOXO
yes!!! move! come to texas! <3
Confession: I prefer eating most of my foods cold, soI’m definitely with you on the “no reheating” bandwagon 😀 And while I’ve done the strawberry and honey combo, I’ve never added sesame seas. I’m intrigued!
why i love you! cold food friend. <3 haha.
That looks like a winning bowl to me. I am a fan of overnight oats, but I often forget to make them the night before, which totally defeats the purpose, so then I am stuck with just regular ‘ol oats, Ha! Ah well. I need to set an alarm or something to remind myself to prep them.
My spring produce love has always been asparagus.
p.s. I finally got around to listening to your feature on Blissful Bites, I loved it, great job friend!!
so glad! Nicole’s podcast is so encouraging!! thank you for listening.
yess,…… overnight oats always.
❤️❤️ are you feeling better?
right now, I’m obsessed with asparagus but why are they so freaking expensive?????? i don’t like warm oatmeal..so the idea of overnight cold oatmeal sounds wonderful..this is such a pretty bowl!!!
i know! i think vegetables should be free! LOL
Can you believe I have never done overnight oats!!!! YIKES! I love all the spring produce.. although here, a lot of stuff year round. 🙂
Beautiful eats!!!
have you tried the overnight oats with protein? we love adding that too! Cold oats Keeps you cool during summer. haha.
I have not but I always put protein in my hot oatmeal so I guess I must try! 🙂
Sesame seeds <3 A must!!!! I always put sesame in my oatmeal in the form of tahini <3
oh yea, tahini lovers!
Oh yes please! Such a fan of overnight oats. I used to make them in a mason jar and take them to work – oh the looks I got, haha!
Gotta go out tomorrow and buy strawberries. Pretty indeed!
now that is genius! i gotta try mason jars that is just BRILLIANT! like you! miss you!
yes to those COLD overnight oats, that’s the only way I eat overnight oats! This is happening very soon!
yes!! keep me posted!
I haven’t been doing much oatmeal at all… it never rally got cold here so I just didn’t want it. Helloooooo overnight oats. I need to start doing it again. Can you come cook for me while I can’t walk though? We have wine.
Yes, on my way! pour the wine!
I love the addition of the sesame seeds in there, looks so yummy!
thanks friend!
my kind of meal!
you know i thought of you!
Woooooooooooowee! My hat’s off to you for training for Ironman while working and trying to keep up with life…I can’t even imagine! I LOVE overnight oatmeal and can definitely see this being the preferred go-to for early mornings and for staying fueled while training for an event. Incredible how all it takes is a little pre-soak to unlock our food’s nutrient value! P.S. those strawbs are goooooorgeous!
ya, I didn’t train for ironman but i felt that tired. Goodness my more adrenals! SOAKING to the rescue!
I love COLD overnight oatmeal. There is something so delicious and refreshing about the texture. YUM! I have never used sesame seeds in a sweet dish, but I think it is a great idea. I will have to give it a shot.
I so agree! and let me know if you try it Chelsea!
I’ve never used sesame in sweet dishes and I love pretty much all spring produce! We are trying to so hard to have warmer weather…but the cold is still lingering a bit. And now I have the perfect breakfast for tomorrow – I have a 4:20am morning filled with clients. I usually do a smoothie, but I’m going on a run in between (3miles) and could use the extra fuel!
oh my, come visit! it’s like 80F already! crazy
So pretty! I made some overnight oatmeal last night to help. In still having a lot of issues. I think I may already be melting. Finally had to turn on the a/c last night. It was 94. It’s March!
You’re melting and we have snow, crazy spring! This looks so yummy I’m craving berries and honey for breakfast now, with a side of eggs of course 🙂
Sesame and honey are a natural pairing. I don’t even really like honey that much, but sesame has a balancing nuttiness to the floralness of honey that makes it work!
I never thought about adding sesame to it. It’ll surely taste amazing!
I’m pinning it for later. Now it’s time to get myself more seeds. 😉
let me know if you do Debbie!
Look at those beautiful berries! And YES…I can always use a burst of energy! Love this easy make-ahead breakfast!!