Strawberry Vanilla Protein Overnight Oats

If your mornings feel rushed or unpredictable, these strawberry vanilla protein overnight oats can quietly fix that. You mix everything the night before, tuck it into the fridge, and wake up to a creamy, naturally sweet breakfast that’s ready the moment you are.

It’s one of those recipes that feels like a small act of kindness to your future self. The strawberries soften overnight, the oats turn silky, and the vanilla protein adds a dessert-like flavor without making things heavy or overly sweet.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

ROLLED OATS

You’ll need about half a cup of rolled oats for one serving. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best because they soften overnight while still keeping a little texture. When buying, look for oats that are whole and not dusty or broken. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they’ll turn softer and almost pudding-like by morning.

VANILLA PROTEIN POWDER

Use one scoop, usually around a quarter cup. A smooth, lightly sweetened vanilla protein powder blends best and keeps the oats from tasting chalky. Look for one that mixes easily in liquids without clumping. If you don’t have vanilla, plain protein powder with a splash of vanilla extract works too.

MILK

About three-quarters of a cup helps everything soften and blend. Any milk works here  dairy, almond, oat, or soy. Choose something you already enjoy drinking because its flavor will come through in the final bowl.

STRAWBERRIES

You’ll want a small handful, roughly half a cup sliced. Look for berries that are bright red and fragrant. If they smell sweet, they’ll taste sweet. Frozen strawberries also work  just chop them slightly before mixing so they soften evenly overnight.

CHIA SEEDS

About a teaspoon thickens the oats and adds a gentle, pudding-like texture. Look for small, shiny seeds without a dusty smell. If you don’t have chia, you can skip them or use ground flaxseed instead.

HONEY OR MAPLE SYRUP

Taste your protein powder first if it’s already sweet, you may not need extra sweetener.

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Choose your container.
Pick a jar, bowl, or any container with a lid. Something around one to two cups in size works perfectly so you have room to stir without spilling.

Add the oats first.
Pour the rolled oats into the container. This gives you a stable base and helps everything mix evenly later.

Add the protein powder.
Scoop the vanilla protein powder directly over the oats. Stir it lightly with a spoon so the powder blends into the oats before liquid is added. This prevents clumps.

Pour in the milk.
Slowly add the milk over the mixture. Stir gently at first, then more thoroughly. Make sure there are no dry pockets of oats or protein powder hiding at the bottom.

Add the chia seeds and sweetener.
Sprinkle in the chia seeds and drizzle the honey or maple syrup. Stir again. The mixture should look creamy and slightly loose, it will thicken overnight.

Fold in the strawberries.
Add the sliced strawberries and give everything one last gentle stir. Some pieces will stay near the top, and that’s perfectly fine.

Cover and refrigerate.
Seal the container and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. During this time, the oats absorb the milk and the chia seeds thicken everything.

Check the texture in the morning.
Open the jar and give the oats a quick stir. If they seem too thick, add a splash of milk and mix again. If they’re just right, you’re ready to eat.

Expert Tips

• Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best natural sweetness.
• Stir protein powder into dry oats first to avoid clumps.
• If the oats thicken too much overnight, add a splash of milk before eating.
• Let the mixture sit for at least 4 hours so the oats fully soften.
• Add a spoonful of yogurt in the morning for extra creaminess.
• Slice strawberries small so they soften evenly overnight.
  

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store the overnight oats in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to two days, though the texture is best within the first 24 hours.

There’s no reheating needed since this is meant to be eaten cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can microwave it gently for about 30–40 seconds. Just avoid overheating, or the protein powder may change the texture.

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead breakfasts. You can prepare two or three jars at once and keep them in the fridge for busy mornings.

What to Serve With

These oats work beautifully on their own, especially on busy weekday mornings when you need something quick and filling. If you want a bigger breakfast, serve them with scrambled eggs or a boiled egg for extra protein.

They’re also great as part of a simple brunch with toast, fruit, or smoothies. On relaxed weekends, I like pairing them with coffee and a small omelet for a balanced, satisfying start to the day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Just chop them slightly before adding so they soften evenly overnight.

Can I make this without protein powder?
You can. Replace the protein powder with a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt.

How long do overnight oats last?
They stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days.

What if my oats are too thick?
Stir in a splash of milk before eating to loosen the texture.