Strawberry Vanilla Protein Oats (Printable Version)

Creamy oats with strawberries, vanilla, chia seeds, and protein for a wholesome morning boost.

# What You'll Need:

→ Oats & Seeds

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds

→ Protein & Dairy

03 - 1 cup unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based)
04 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
05 - 1 scoop (about 1 ounce) vanilla protein powder

→ Fruits

06 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

→ Sweetener & Flavor

07 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl or large jar, combine oats, chia seeds, protein powder, and salt.
02 - Add milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
03 - Gently fold in half of the strawberries.
04 - Divide the mixture between two jars or containers. Top with remaining strawberries.
05 - Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours) to allow oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid.
06 - In the morning, stir well. Add a splash of milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Serve chilled.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You'll actually feel full until lunch, thanks to the protein and chia seeds doing their quiet work while you sleep.
  • It tastes indulgent enough to feel like a treat but wholesome enough that you won't feel guilty about it.
02 -
  • The ratio of liquid to oats is crucial; too little and you'll have a brick, too much and it becomes porridge—start with the amount given and adjust next time based on your preference.
  • Don't skip the salt; it sounds weird, but a tiny pinch makes the vanilla and strawberry flavors pop instead of tasting flat.
03 -
  • If your protein powder tends toward grittiness, blend it with the milk first before adding it to the oats—this dissolves it smoothly and prevents weird texture surprises.
  • Greek yogurt can vary in thickness between brands, so if your mixture seems too thick after stirring, don't panic; it will loosen up slightly as it chills and the chia seeds absorb more liquid.
Go Back