The first time I made this strawberry yogurt overnight oats, I was rushing out the door and needed breakfast I could actually eat on the go.
It turned into a ritual—simple prep the night before, creamy oats and bright strawberries by morning.
This particular combo is a winner because it balances protein, fiber, and natural sweetness without fuss.
If you want a fast, wholesome breakfast that tastes like a treat, this is the one to keep in your routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in minutes the night before, perfect for busy mornings.
- Protein-rich when made with Greek yogurt, keeping you full until lunch.
- Fresh strawberries add bright acidity and natural sweetness.
- Versatile: swap milk or sweetener to suit dietary needs.
- Textures: creamy oats, soft chia-studded gel, and fresh berry pop.
This recipe hits a lovely texture balance: the rolled oats soften but keep a slight chew, while yogurt and milk create a custard-like creaminess.
Strawberries sit on top and soften overnight, releasing juices that swirl through the oats for a vibrant, slightly tart counterpoint to the yogurt.
When chia seeds are included they add a subtle gel that thickens the mixture and gives a pleasant, pudding-like body.
“I made these for a busy week and they were better than any store-bought cup—fresh, creamy, and surprisingly filling. Five stars!” — Emma, reader
Key Ingredients
Rolled oats: Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
They absorb the liquid evenly and soften into a creamy bite without becoming gluey like quick oats can.
If you prefer a heartier chew, look for stone-ground or jumbo rolled oats from reputable brands.
Yogurt (Greek or regular): Greek yogurt adds tang and a protein boost that makes these oats more of a meal.
Regular yogurt works fine and gives a slightly looser, silkier finish.
Pick plain yogurt to control sugar, or use vanilla-flavored for an extra flavor lift.
Fresh strawberries: Fresh berries bring brightness and natural sweetness that canned or frozen can’t quite replicate.
Use ripe but firm strawberries to avoid a mushy result in the jar.
Seasonal, locally grown berries will give the best aroma and flavor.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative): Milk controls the final consistency—use whole milk for richness or a plant milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free version.
Unsweetened non-dairy milks keep the sugar low and allow the strawberries and honey to shine.
If you use thicker milks (like coconut cream), reduce yogurt slightly to avoid an overly dense texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional, to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine oats, yogurt, and milk
In a bowl or jar, add 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup yogurt, and 1 cup milk.
Add 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup if you want extra sweetness.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until the oats are fully moistened and the yogurt and milk are evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: Use a wide-mouthed jar for easier stirring and eating; you’ll know it’s mixed well when there are no dry oat pockets visible.
Step 2: Add chia and vanilla (optional)
Stir in 1 tablespoon chia seeds if using.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to taste and mix again to distribute flavors.
Chia seeds will swell overnight and thicken the mixture for a pudding-like texture.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thinner final texture, skip chia seeds or reduce to 1 teaspoon.
Step 3: Top with sliced strawberries
Place 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries on top of the oat mixture.
You can mix them in or keep them on top to maintain some bright texture.
If you like a marbled look, gently press the berries into the mixture so juices begin to mingle with the oats.
Pro Tip: Reserve a few strawberry slices for garnish in the morning for a fresher appearance.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate
Cover the jar or bowl tightly and refrigerate overnight for at least 6–8 hours.
The oats will soften and flavors will meld as the mixture chills.
Overnight rest gives the oats time to hydrate and the chia to thicken the mixture, creating a creamy consistency.
Pro Tip: Refrigerate on a flat shelf to keep layers even; use a silicone lid or clean jar lid for a good seal.
Step 5: Morning finish and serve
In the morning, remove the cover and give everything a good stir to fold the strawberries through.
Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more honey or maple syrup, if desired.
Top with nuts, granola, or extra fruit if you like more crunch.
Pro Tip: If it’s too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk until you reach your preferred spoonability.
Expert Tips for Success
- Measure once and adjust: Use a 1:1:1 ratio (oats:yogurt:milk) as your baseline, then tweak the milk if you want thinner or thicker oats.
- Choose your jar size wisely: A 16-ounce jar fits this recipe well and leaves room for stirring and toppings.
- Temperature matters: Cold ingredients straight from the fridge are fine, but if your fridge is very cold, allow the assembled jar to sit 5–10 minutes before closing to settle the oats.
- Sweetness control: Start with the optional 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, but wait until morning to add more—strawberries often sweeten the mix overnight.
- Chia timing: If you prefer a less gelled texture, add chia in the morning instead of at night. Conversely, add extra chia at night for a very thick, pudding-like breakfast.
- Layering vs. mixing: Keeping strawberries on top preserves their color and texture. If you want strawberry-infused oats throughout, chop them finely and stir earlier.
- Yogurt substitution: To increase protein without Greek yogurt, add a scoop of unflavored protein powder and extra milk to maintain creaminess.
- Avoid soggy fruit: If you plan to store jars for 3+ days, consider adding sliced strawberries only when you’re ready to eat, or use firmer berries to limit juice breakdown.
- Mix-ins strategy: Add crunchy toppings like toasted nuts or granola just before eating to keep texture contrast.
- Scaling up: This recipe scales linearly—multiply quantities for meal prep jars, but assemble each jar individually to preserve freshness.
Storage & Freezing
Fridge storage: Store covered jars in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Use airtight glass jars to prevent odor transfer and to keep the texture consistent.
If you plan to eat over several days, add delicate toppings (like nuts or granola) just before serving.
Freezer option: You can freeze the oat portion (without fresh strawberries) for up to 1 month.
Use freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace for expansion.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh strawberries and any crunchy toppings in the morning.
Reheating guidance: These are best served chilled, but you can warm them gently.
Microwave in a covered bowl for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway through, then add a little milk if needed.
If thawed from frozen, thaw fully in the fridge overnight and stir well before eating.
Variations & Substitutions
Berry medley oat jar: Swap half the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a mixed-berry flavor.
The combined juices create a complex, tangy profile that pairs well with vanilla yogurt.
Peanut-butter banana overnight oats: Replace honey with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter and add sliced banana before serving.
This variation adds healthy fats and a dessert-like creaminess.
Dairy-free coconut and strawberry: Use coconut yogurt and unsweetened almond or coconut milk.
Top with shredded coconut and toasted almonds for tropical notes.
Protein-powered oats: Stir in one scoop of vanilla protein powder at night and use Greek yogurt for extra muscle-repairing protein.
Adjust milk to reach the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, but quick oats will become much softer and can turn gluey overnight.
Use them if you prefer a smoother, porridge-like texture, but reduce chia or milk slightly to avoid an overly thick result.
Q: Will the strawberries go bad overnight?
A: Properly refrigerated, sliced strawberries will be fine overnight in a sealed jar.
To preserve brightest color and texture for multi-day storage, keep most of the strawberries separate and add them the morning you eat.
Q: Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
A: Not as written—rolled oats and fruit contain carbs.
For a lower-carb option, replace oats with a mixture of hemp hearts, ground flaxseed, and chia for a similar texture with far fewer carbs.
Q: Can I meal prep a week’s worth in advance?
A: Yes, store individual jars in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
If you want a full week, freeze portions (without fresh berries) and thaw a jar each night to eat the next morning.
Q: How can I make this less sweet without losing flavor?
A: Use plain yogurt, skip the honey, and add a pinch of salt and extra vanilla to enhance natural flavors.
A squeeze of lemon over the strawberries in the morning brightens them without adding sugar.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry yogurt overnight oats recipe is a no-fuss, nutritious breakfast that easily becomes part of your weekly routine.
It travels well, adapts to diets, and rewards simple prep with big flavor.
Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below if you made it, and pin this to Pinterest to save it for later.
Conclusion
If you want inspiration for more ways to prep overnight oats, I found a helpful version that emphasizes yogurt in a slightly different way at Overnight Oats with Yogurt – The Forked Spoon.
For a simple, similar strawberry overnight oats idea with different ratios and serving suggestions, check out Easy Strawberry Overnight Oats • Fit Mitten Kitchen.
Strawberry Yogurt Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular) Greek yogurt adds protein; plain yogurt for lower sugar.
- 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative) Use whole milk for richness or plant milk for a dairy-free version.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced Use ripe but firm strawberries for best results.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional) Add for sweetness, adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional) Adds thickness; omit for a thinner texture.
- to taste vanilla extract (optional) Enhances flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine oats, yogurt, and milk in a bowl or jar. Stir until oats are fully moistened and well mixed.
- Optional: Stir in chia seeds and vanilla extract for added flavor and thickness.
Topping
- Place sliced strawberries on top of the oat mixture. You can mix them in or layer them on top.
Refrigeration
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for at least 6-8 hours to allow oats to soften and flavors to meld.
Serve
- In the morning, stir the mixture well, adjust sweetness if needed, and add any desired toppings.
