For a breakfast that tastes like spring, these lemon overnight oats are just what you need. They're a bright make ahead breakfast that is packed with protein and fiber to keep you full all morning.
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Breakfast at a Glance
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Planning Ahead: Prep the night before and up to 4 days ahead
- Morning Effort: Minimal
- Protein: 22g per serving
- Fiber: 7g per serving
Nessy's Note
I love making all sorts of overnight oats recipes, like chocolate banana ONOs, when I have busy mornings as they really are the best way to do yourself a little favor. And I don't mean to brag, but I think I have really nailed the base recipe which means I can turn it into countless flavors.
And few flavors say spring to me quite like lemon. And so if spring were a breakfast, it might be these lemon overnight oats (though these blueberry lemon oats are also very spring coded!).
Like cinnamon overnight oats make a morning feel extra cozy, these are fresh and bring a little sunshine to the start of your day. Let me know if you agree!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Rolled Oats- These can be called old-fashioned oats or large flake oats. I prefer their texture in overnight oatmeal so I use them in all of my recipes like berry cheesecake ONOs.
- Greek Yogurt- This makes the overnight oats higher in protein without needing protein powder (like it does for this strawberry smoothie bowl) and provides the liquid to soften the oats.
- Substitution: These should work with any type of plain yogurt but note that protein content will vary.
- Honey- I find that a touch of honey provides extra sweetness and nicely complements the lemon flavors. You can add more if needed to taste.
- Substitution: Maple syrup or your sweetener of choice can be used instead.
- Lemon (juice + zest)- This brings the lemon flavor. I strongly recommend using a fresh lemon and including both the juice and zest so that the flavor is strong enough to be tasted.
- Substitution: Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch (and the zest omitted) but the flavor is so much better with fresh. Or for a different citrus twist, check out these orange creamsicle overnight oats!
- Chia Seeds- These thicken the oats and add a some of the fiber.
- Substitution: Ground flaxseeds can be used or they can be left out.
- Sea Salt- A pinch balances out the flavors.
My Notes for the Best Lemon Overnight Oats
- Meal prep for the week. This lemon overnight oatmeal lasts up to 4-5 days in the fridge so you can make a batch on Sunday and have breakfast ready all week.
- Adjust the consistency. If the oats thicken too much overnight for your liking, you can stir in a splash of milk (or water) before serving.
- Fore more tips and info, check out my complete guide to yogurt overnight oats.
More Overnight Oat Recipes...
If you give this recipe a try, be sure to let me know what you thought in the comments below!
Lemon Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 1 jar or container with lid (at least 10 oz/300mL in size)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (I prefer 2% for a creamier texture but any type will work)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (large flake)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (or ground flaxseed)
Instructions
- Add the Greek yogurt, honey, lemon and sea salt to your jar or container and stir well until fully combined.¾ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds until evenly mixed.⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Let the oatmeal sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for optimal texture).
- That's all! In the morning, enjoy your filling breakfast as you get all ready for your busy day.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Note: Nutritional information is estimated using an online calculator and accuracy is not guaranteed. Remember food is more than numbers and this info is intended as a support.
Marie says
This was a perfect breakfast for the first day of spring!