Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Overnight Oats Recipe
Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Overnight Oats combine creamy Greek yogurt, fresh lemon zest and juice, and crunchy poppy seeds soaked with oats overnight to create a bright, flavorful, and protein-packed breakfast that’s ready to eat in the morning. This no-cook, make-ahead recipe is customizable, gluten-free, and perfect for a nutritious on-the-go start to your day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook, Soaking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quick or rolled oats
- 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
- 1 scoop unflavored whey or collagen protein powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
Toppings
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- Additional lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Everything Together: In a jar or bowl, combine the oats, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, milk, poppy seeds, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, protein powder if using, and maple syrup or honey. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Chill & Serve: Cover the container and refrigerate the mixture overnight or for at least 4 hours to allow the oats to soak and soften. In the morning, give the oats a good stir to recombine any separated liquid. Top with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of extra lemon zest before serving for added color and brightness.
Notes
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
- To make it vegan, substitute plant-based yogurt and milk, and use vegan protein powder or omit it entirely.
- For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk and plant-based yogurt or blended silken tofu instead of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep toppings separate until serving to preserve texture.
- If the oats thicken too much, stir in a splash of milk before eating to adjust consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 jar)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: overnight oats, lemon poppy seed, easy breakfast, make-ahead oats, healthy breakfast, protein-packed oats
