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+ servings
Overnight oats in a jar with layers of yogurt, diced apples, walnuts, and shredded coconut. A perfect example of healthy meals recipes.

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

Discover why this healthy meal recipe is a favorite and learn make-ahead tips for busy individuals and families. Prioritize your health without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
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 whole 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

  • Le Parfait Jars with lids
  • 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. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the strawberries, keeping a few a little chunky. Remove from the 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

This recipe is designed for busy individuals and families looking for healthy meal options that are easy to prepare and fit into hectic schedules. It's ideal for those who want to prioritize their health without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

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