Easy Overnight “Oats” (Without the Oats!)

overnight oats recipe

How to make the perfect batch of overnight oats (just without the oats). I switch out the oats for quinoa flakes for an oat-free overnight “oats” breakfast recipe. It’s one of the easiest, no-cook breakfast options that will leave you with healthy grab-and-go breakfast options to enjoy over the course of the week. Plus, it’s endlessly customisable, so you can switch it up whenever you feel like!

I’m intolerant to oats. I found this out over a year ago and to this day I still miss my morning porridge. One of the easy breakfasts I loved making were overnight oats, but since this oat intolerance came about, I haven’t been able to make them. That has been hard. As I mentioned, I love oats, but unfortunately oats just don’t love me back.

When I discovered quinoa flakes, I was so excited! It meant that overnight oats were back on the table for me. I love the convenience of having breakfast already made for when I finish my morning workout. I grab it out of the fridge, and it’s ready to go!

For my fellow oat-intolerant peeps, here are a few of my favourite go-to recipes for overnight “oats” that require no cooking, baking or any extra dirty dishes. Can I get a hallelujah?

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa flakes are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids the body can’t produce on its own. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, fibre and antioxidants, and a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in our gut, helping to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria!

The best news of all, prepping these overnight “oats” takes less than 5 minutes!

Before we get started in learning how to make these overnight “oats” – if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!

How to make Easy Overnight “Oats”

If you’re making a double or triple batch, instead of mixing all the ingredients together in a jar, place them in a large mixing bowl, stir to combine, then add to your favourite jars. It makes the process a lot easier rather than try and mix everything in such small jars.

Base ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup quinoa flakes
  • 1/2 cup plant milk
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

Optional:

PB&J:

  • 1-2 tbsp chia seed jam or raspberry jam (*Note: omit the maple syrup from the base ingredients for this recipe)
  • 1-2 tbsp peanut butter or other favourite nut butter
  • 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)

Berry Protein:

  • 1/4 cup berries, fresh or frozen
  • 1 scoop protein powder or collagen powder
  • 1 tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1 tbsp almonds, roughly chopped

Banana Bread

  • 1 banana, mashed
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1-2 tbsp walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Mango Tango:

  • 1/2 cup diced mango, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tsp shredded coconut
  • 2 tbsp passionfruit pulp

To make:

  1. Add all the ingredients into a mason jar or bowl and mix well to combine.
  2. Seal the jar or cover the bowl and let it soak in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours (I find it’s best when soaked overnight for 8 hours).
  3. Top your overnight “oats” with your favourite toppings.

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.

Have you made overnight oats before? What was it like? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

🖤 Vanessa

Stay in the Loop

Sign up to the Simply Natural Nessa newsletter to receive the latest news, updates, DIYs, recipes, and more!