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Close-up of a jar of overnight oats, layered with chia seeds, oats, apples, and topped with yogurt and pecans. A healthy meals recipe.

Why Everyone Loves This Healthy Meals Recipes (+ Make-Ahead Tips)

Discover why these healthy meal recipes are so popular and learn make-ahead tips for busy individuals and families. Enjoy simple, nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor or time.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Refrigeration Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Base Recipe
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • ½ teaspoon maple syrup plus more for serving
  • Pinch sea salt
  • ¼ cup whole milk Greek yogurt optional
  • cup unsweetened almond milk
Variations
Apple Pie
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice
  • Diced apple
  • Chopped pecans
  • Cinnamon apples optional
Peach Crisp
  • Peach slices
  • Granola
PB&J
  • Chia Jam see note
  • Peanut butter
  • Chopped strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Chopped peanuts
Chocolate Banana Bread
  • ½ banana, mashed
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • Banana slices
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Chocolate chips
Chia Jam Recipe
  • 1 pound strawberries
  • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • Pinch sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds

Equipment

  • Mason jar
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Make the base recipe: In a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using.
  2. Add the almond milk and stir until the mixture is well combined and there are no clumps of chia seeds at the bottom of the jar. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 5 days.
  3. In the morning, top with your desired toppings and serve with drizzles of maple syrup.
  4. For apple pie overnight oats, stir the applesauce and cinnamon into the overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with diced apple, chopped pecans, and cinnamon apples and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.
  5. For peach crisp overnight oats, make the plain overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with peach slices, granola, and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.
  6. For PB&J overnight oats, make the plain overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with chia jam, peanut butter, chopped strawberries, raspberries, and chopped peanuts.
  7. For chocolate banana bread overnight oats, stir the mashed banana, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with banana slices, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.
  8. To make the chia jam: Place the strawberries, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened. Mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher, keeping a few chunky. Remove from heat and stir in the chia seeds. Transfer to a jar and let cool, uncovered, at room temperature, then cover and chill in the fridge.

Notes

These overnight oats are a versatile and healthy breakfast or snack option. You can prepare the base recipe and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, adding your favorite toppings each morning.

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