This quick and simple recipe for Overnight Protein Oats made with protein powder tastes like a blueberry muffin. It is rich in protein and will keep you full and satisfied for several hours. Make it the night before and then just stir and serve. This recipe is made gluten-free and dairy-free and includes 24 grams of protein per serving!

overnight protein oats with blueberries and nut butter.

Overnight oats are one of the easiest make-ahead breakfasts you can make. It’s such an easy breakfast that you can make in an airtight container like a glass jar to eat on the road on busy mornings.

The night before, you simply stir together rolled oats, sweetener, and a base such as almond milk. The next morning, you have a creamy and slightly chewy oatmeal.

The best part about overnight oats is how customizable they are. In this version I add fresh fruit, lemon zest, and protein powder but you can get creative and make it however you like.

Protein Overnight Oat Benefits

  • This simple soaked oat recipe is high in protein and soluble fiber which makes it a very filling breakfast. Unsweetened protein powder and chia seeds add protein while the oats are naturally full of fiber and important vitamins. It’s a perfect make-ahead breakfast using simple ingredients.
  • Rolled oats are affordable which makes overnight oats a budget-friendly breakfast choice. Just be sure to use gluten-free oats if you are on a gluten-free diet (I like these gluten-free sprouted oats).
  • Since you meal prep them the night before, there is virtually no cleanup in the morning.

Ingredients

ingredients for blueberry overnight oats.
  • Rolled oats make the base for overnight oats. Make sure to buy old-fashioned oats or rolled oats and not quick oats or steel cut oats. If you are gluten intolerant or Celiac, make sure to buy certified gluten-free oats.
  • Unsweetened almond milk make these oats thick and creamy without the need for dairy. You could also substitute any non-dairy milk including oat milk, cashew milk, or regular milk if you can eat dairy. You can also add a scoop of Greek yogurt if you aren’t on a dairy-free diet to add extra protein.
  • Chia seeds absorb whatever liquid they’re added to and make it creamy plus they’re full of protein and healthy micronutrients including healthy fats.
  • Unsweetened protein powder adds a good dose of protein without the addition of refined sugars. Look for one that is free of additives and made with clean ingredients (see my list of the best paleo protein powders). If you aren’t on a dairy-free diet, you can use a whey protein powder. Vegans should use a vegan protein powder. You can use flavored powders like vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder, but try to use ones with no added sugar.
  • Pure maple syrup or honey adds a natural sweetness to this oatmeal recipe. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet you like your oats.
  • Vanilla gives this recipe that something extra with that slight vanilla flavor.
  • Lemon pairs so well with blueberries and gives these oats a fresh lemony taste.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact measurements.

Recipe Steps

How to make overnight protein oats.

Step One

In a bowl, small jar, or Mason jar, combine the dry ingredients including rolled oats, chia seeds, protein powder, sweetener of choice, vanilla, blueberries, lemon, and almond milk.

Step Two

Stir to combine. Depending on the type of protein powder you use, you may need to stir vigorously to ensure that there are no lumps or clumps. But, in general, protein powders dissolve pretty well.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Three

Cover the bowl and put the oatmeal mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

The longer it sits, the thicker and creamier it will become.

Step Four

When you’re ready to serve, stir the mixture and serve cold or room temperature. You can also warm it up if you wish.

Add any of your favorite toppings including peanut butter, cacao powder, almond butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, fresh berries, other fresh fruits, or anything that you wish, and enjoy!

I hope you agree that this healthy overnight oats recipe is a perfect breakfast recipe for busy mornings.

bowl of overnight oats with blueberries.

Recipe Tips

  • If you aren’t on a dairy-free diet, you can use regular milk which will add even more protein.
  • You can substitute other types of fruit for the blueberries, if you prefer. Strawberries and bananas work great too.
  • If you don’t have chia seeds, you can leave them out.  
  • If you would like your overnight oats to be sweeter, gradually add more maple syrup or honey until you reach the desired sweetness.
  • Add 1-2 teaspoons of cocoa powder to make chocolate oats!
  • The amount of liquid you need is somewhat of a preference. If you don’t want your oatmeal quite as thick you can add a little bit more milk. If you want it thicker you can add a bit less. Although I do recommend following the recipe exactly the first time around.
blueberry oatmeal served with nuts and nut butter.

Recipe FAQs

Are overnight oats gluten-free?

Yes just be sure to purchase rolled oats that are certified gluten-free. Regular oats are grown and processed around gluten-containing grains which makes cross contamination highly likely.

Can you eat overnight oats hot?

Although one of the defining qualities of overnight oats is their cold and slightly chewy texture, they can be served hot as well. Simply microwave or cook them on the stovetop until the mixture is warmed through.

How many grams of protein does overnight oatmeal have?

This recipe includes about 24 grams of protein per serving.

Can I use steel cut oats in this recipe?

No because they will not get soft enough to chew. It’s best to use rolled oats for this overnight oats recipe.

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes You Might Like

I also have articles on the best clean eating breakfast recipes and the best healthy breakfasts for kids.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

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overnight oats with blueberries

Overnight Protein Oats (24 Grams Protein)

This quick and simple recipe for Blueberry Overnight Protein Oats with protein powder tastes like a blueberry muffin. It is rich in protein and will keep you full and satisfied for several hours. Make it the night before and then just stir and serve.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free, if necessary)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 2 scoops unsweetened protein powder
  • 2 teaspoons raw honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup fresh or frozen and defrosted blueberries
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Optional toppings: drizzle of nut butter or sprinkling of chopped almonds or other nut or seed

Instructions

  1. In a jar or bowl with a lid, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, protein powder, sweetener of choice, vanilla extract, blueberries, and lemon zest.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover the bowl or jar and place the oatmeal mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  4. When you’re ready to serve the overnight oats, simply stir the mixture and serve cold or at room temperature. You can serve it plain or with additional toppings.

Notes

  1. If you aren’t on a dairy-free diet, you can use regular milk.
  2. You can substitute other types of fruit for the blueberries, if you prefer. Strawberries and bananas work great too.
  3. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can leave them out.
  4. If you don’t have a fresh lemon, just leave out the lemon zest.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
  • Calories: 372
  • Sugar: 8.2 g
  • Sodium: 201.3 mg
  • Fat: 3.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52.2 g
  • Fiber: 7.5 g
  • Protein: 24.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 3.4 mg

Keywords: overnight oats recipe, vegan overnight oats, gluten-free overnight oats, protein oats

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.