These lemon overnight oats are a refreshing take on breakfast. Tart and sweet, these are perfect for sunny weather (or to brighten your day when you wish it was sunny)!
Overnight Oat Obsession
I used to only eat smoothies for breakfast - okay well that's not totally true, I used to eat a bagel every day but that was before I became more health-conscious.
After finding overnight oats, I became a bit obsessed.
While I still love my Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal and Almond Joy Oatmeal, when the weather is warmer (or when I wish the weather was warmer), I like to have a more sun-shiny breakfast like these Lemon Overnight Oats.
Sunny Lemon Overnight Oats
What’s sunnier than lemons? Lemons are refreshing and have a bold flavor so I figure it could give people a nice kick in the pants in the morning to get their day started.
These lemon overnight oats are still as filling as my other overnight oats but they seem lighter because of the citrus. They're perfect for a warm day right out of the fridge to keep you nice and cool.
Lemon Overnight Oat Nutrition Info
The recipe for these overnight oats is very simple. I didn’t want to use too much sugar so I only added a bit of maple syrup to even out the tartness of the lemon.
Chia seeds add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids as well as magnesium and calcium. Rolled oats are a good source of carbs, protein, dietary fiber, and iron.
While I love the natural energy boost from the citrus in these overnight oats, some mornings need an extra kick. I've experimented with adding different supplements - if you're curious about options, this ag1 vs live it up comparison helped me understand the differences between popular greens powders. Just remember that the bold lemon flavor in this recipe does an amazing job masking any "green" taste if you decide to add a scoop to your breakfast!
If you make this recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.
📖 Recipe
Lemon Overnight Oats
Email Recipe & IngredientsIngredients
- ¾ cup dairy-free milk
- juice of ½ a lemon
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ¾ cup rolled oats (can use gf)
- pinch of salt
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a jar/bowl with lid.
- Keep in fridge overnight and enjoy the next morning.
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them.Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Natalie says
Can I meal prep this?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Natalie! Yes, I usually make about 3 days worth at a time. I've seen people do up to 5 days but I have not tried that.
Lily says
Wow this was way nicer than I was expecting and I now have it almost daily!!
I made a few tweaks as I didn't have maple syrup so used honey and used regular milk instead of plant based, though will try plant based... but it's so good!!
I never would've thought lemon and porridge would go together lol. Thanks for sharing xx
Mary Ellen says
I'm so happy you enjoyed Lily! Thank you for coming back to comment and leave a review!
Chayan says
Wow u r a great ....i guess... I'll be trying it for tomorrow....thanx
I also wanna become a vegetarian nutritionist
I would like to mail you....would you plz give me your gmail id....or plz contact me on [email protected]
Emma O'Connell says
Just made this and had it this morning - YUM! Thanks 🙂
Mary Ellen says
So glad you enjoyed it, thanks Emma!
Aimee B. says
I know I didn't adhere to your recipe. I basically kept my usual morning oats recipe minus the cinnamon; 1/4 cup of oats, 3/8 cup of vanilla soy milk, 1 smashed banana, and 1 T chia, and then added the juice of half a lemon and the zest. In the morning I topped it with raspberries. This was absolutely lovely. 🙂 Thank you for this recipe and inspiration. 🙂
Mary Ellen says
That's so great you put your own spin on it, Aimee - that's what cooking is all about! I'm glad to have been some inspiration - your oats sound yummy! Love the raspberries on top too!
Annette MacKay says
You eat these cold? I have never tried cold oats before, I would have thought they would be gluggy but hey I am up to try anything 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Hi Annette! Yes, I like them cold sometimes. 🙂 It's not for everyone - some people only like hot oats - but give it a try and see what you think! I do hope you enjoy them.
Deborah Smikle-Davis (@debsmikdav1) says
What a great way to start the day! How nice to wake up and enjoy this ready to eat overnight oatmeal. I love to make delicious, new variations on basic oatmeal so I am so delighted that you shared how to make Lemon Overnight Oats at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party. Thank you so much for sharing your gems and for your support! I'm Pinning and sharing All the best.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Deborah! I love sharing on your linkups!
Nicole says
I've been seeing these overnight oats recipes. What a great idea! Prepare a healthy breakfast the night before. Genius! I actually have all the ingredients to make this tonight. I can't wait to try it. Sounds delish!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Nicole! I love overnight oats especially during busy mornings so I'm not rushing around trying to throw together a smoothie bowl. They are so easy to do. Let me now if you try them! 🙂
Raia T. says
My kiddos are oat lovers, I'm going to have to give this a try! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Allergy Free Thursdays!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Raia! 🙂
kimmythevegan says
I feel like if people don't like lemon, they might be broken haha ;p just kidding!
"I figure it could give people a nice kick in the pants in the morning." YES! Perfect. I totally fall back on my chocolate almond butter overnight oats, I really need to switch it up. This sounds great! And more simple than my regular one.
It's really gorgeous!
ps. thanks for sharing at Healthy Vegan Fridays - I'm pinning & sharing!
Mary Ellen says
I was eating my chocolate peanut butter oats way too much so I switched it up with lemon and I'm glad I did. Now I have two flavors to love. 🙂
Rachel says
I'm not usually a lemon person but this looks really good. I love the combo of flavors you have in it. Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Rachel! I just started getting into lemon flavored food lately.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I love the lemon in there for a change. Thanks for joining us for meatless Monday today
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Deborah! Lemon is becoming a new favorite flavor of mine. 🙂
Lee says
Yum yum! I never was a lemon fan until I hit my 30s, now I love it. And this looks like a no-fuss way to enjoy it! So summery, too. Plus no cooking when it's hot out. Huge fan. 🙂
How's biochemistry going, by the way? I'm starting a massive review of all things nutritional biochemistry and medical nutrition therapy for my dietetic internship in August, so I'm feeling your pain, lol. 😉
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Lee! Not cooking is such a plus in the summer. 🙂
I'm done nutritional biochem (for now)! I finished my last test this past weekend. I get a semester off and start up again this winter. Oh wow, that must be a huge undertaking! I hope everything goes well. I don't envy you!
fitfoodiemama says
I am not normally a lemon fan BUT I love it combined with blueberries! Looks delicious! 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Annemarie! 🙂
Lins says
This sounds good but I don't see the recipe?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Lins, sorry about that! I was so excited to get the recipe post up, I forgot the recipe! It's here now. 🙂
Miss Whisk (@Miss_Whisk) says
These look so good Mary Ellen, they are one of my favs! I usually add protein powder to mine but really it's all about that fresh light lemon flavor that just screams summer and is like eating lemon pie for breakfast! Thank you again for hosting and also including one of my recipes in your round up this week. I'm thinking Lemon Overnight Oats is going to be breakfast at the soccer field tomorrow morning.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Sarah! I hope you like them! That's a great idea to add protein powder to your overnight oats. I'll have to try a version like that soon!
So glad you've been linking up with us for Healthy Vegan Fridays!
Lyss says
What a great recipe idea! I need to make myself some overnight oats next week. Maybe if I have time. Have a wonderful day!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Lys! Let me know if you try the oats! Have a great day too!
Susan says
Can you substitute stone ground oats in this recipe? It sounds delish!
Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition says
Hi Susan, the oats won't come out the same if you use stone ground oats. I can't say exactly how they would be though since I've never used them. I would say it might be more like a porridge or something like that. If you do try it, let me know what you think.
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
This sounds wonderful! I adore lemon treats in the summer and recently discovered lemon hummus. Gotta try this next, thanks.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Christine! Let me know what you think! Oooh, lemon hummus sound so good right now!
kateringforveggies says
What a great idea! I am indeed a lemon fan, especially during summer and my husband is a big "all year around" fan, so I'll definitely give this a try.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Kate! Let me know what you and your husband think! 🙂