This easy, no-cook “summer porridge” has make-ahead convenience and is packed with nutrition to get your day off to a healthy start whether after an early morning run, in preparation for an afternoon workout or just something before you rush off to work. Make it in individual mason jars for a perfect serving size and an easy grab-and-go breakfast straight from the fridge (it’s eaten cold). High in protein, calcium and fiber; low in fat and sugar.
In addition to chia seeds, this refrigerator oatmeal has protein- and calcium-packed yogurt and fiber-rich oats. It’s hard to find a healthier breakfast than this.
How to make six flavor varieties of Refrigerator Oatmeal.
There are six recipes below that are all yummy so try out all six to see which one is your favorite. They all start with the same basic ingredients and procedure.
Step 1. Assemble these ingredients and supplies:
- Old fashioned rolled oats (not instant, quick, or steel-cut)
- Greek yogurt (regular yogurt is thinner; if you use it, you’ll need to reduce the amount of milk)
- Milk (Skim is a lower fat option, but any kind will work)
- Chia seeds (you can buy these at Whole Foods)
- Half pint (1 cup) mason jars, find them at Walmart, many grocery stores and at Michael’s Craft stores, to name a few
Specific amounts of each ingredient are listed with the recipes of each flavored refrigerator oatmeal recipe; they are further down in this post.
Step 2. Add oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds to jar, along with desired sweeteners or flavors (see options below).
Step 3. Put a lid on the jar and shake to combine. I use white plastic jar lids sized to fit canning jars–they last longer than the metal tops and rims that come with the jars, and they are easier to screw on and off; some Walmarts carry them, and they’re available on Amazon.
Step 4. Add fruit and stir gently until combined.
Step 5. Place in fridge overnight and up to 2 days; maybe longer depending on the type and ripeness of the fruit.
During the overnight soak, the oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid and soften. They have a great eating texture by the next day.
Here are six great flavor varieties:
Mango Almond Refrigerator Oatmeal
Flavored with 1/4 cup fresh mango, 1 tsp. honey, and 1/4 tsp. almond extract.
Blueberry Maple Refrigerator Oatmeal
Flavored with 1/4 cup fresh blueberries and 2 tsp. maple syrup.
Apple Cinnamon Refrigerator Oatmeal
Flavored with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and 1 tsp. honey.
Banana Cocoa Refrigerator Oatmeal
Flavored with 1/4 cup sliced fresh bananas, 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder and 1 tsp. honey.
Banana Peanut Butter Refrigerator Oatmeal
Flavored with 1/4 cup sliced fresh bananas, 1 Tbsp. peanut butter (or other nut butter) and 1 tsp. honey.
Raspberry Vanilla Refrigerator Oatmeal
Flavored with 1/4-1/3 cup fresh raspberries cut in half, 1/4 cup raspberry preserves or spread and 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract.
