As most of the North Hemisphere is dealing with extreme colds, we are enjoying a nice breeze with warm temperatures here on our small island, Virgin Gorda.
This morning, I poured myself a cup of coffee, went out to the balcony, and drank it with my favorite breakfast in the world, Oatmeal with Almond Milk and Chia Seeds. Lately, I am having my breakfast out in the balcony.
In a way, I want to make sure that I can soak it all in. Because I know that one day, when our assignment on this island is completed, I will not be able to have breakfast in my balcony in the middle of January.
Enjoying and appreciating it as much as I can…
I eat this oatmeal every single morning. This is my breakfast. It is what gets me out of bed every morning. It goes perfectly with a cup of coffee as I am reading the paper or surfing the net. Or watching the ocean out in the balcony in January on a Caribbean Island…
I simply cannot get enough of it.
HERE IS WHY:
- It is so versatile. You can easily change it up:
Once you cook the oats in almond milk, you can add any nuts and dried (or fresh) fruit you like, which allows you to be as creative as you want. If you feel like you are bored from walnuts, you can add almonds. One day you can add slices of banana and the next day you can add dried figs.
You get the point, right?
In addition, almond milk has more calcium than milk. Compared to milk, it is lower in calories. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which is good for your heart. It is rich in vitamins and minerals.
When it comes to almond milk, there are a lot of options in supermarkets. Almond milk with vanilla, chocolate, sweetened, unsweetened, etc.
I, personally, like the unsweetened, plain almond milk because (1) it is low in calories (1 cup = 30 calories) (2) it allows me to have control over the sweetness of the end product. - It is quick to make:
It takes less than 10 minutes to make it. If you are in rush to go to work, you can always put it in a to-go-cup and eat it at work or on you way to work. - It fills me up:
Especially because I put Chia seeds in it. Chia seeds plump up when combined with liquid, which in turn, makes you feel full. Also, chia seeds are rich in fiber, essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6), calcium (1 tablespoon of chia seeds have more calcium than a glass of milk), vitamins, and antioxidants (more than blueberries).
And you know what? Chia seeds are only the beginning. You can add flax seeds, maca powder, lucuma powder, etc. to boost up its nutritious value. - It is healthy:
Oats, due to their soluble fiber content, is good for you. It is a much better breakfast option than say, pancakes or donuts.
I personally find the sweetness of the dried (or fresh) fruit enough but if you want it sweeter, I would recommend adding natural sweeteners like honey or agave. Of course, in moderate amounts.
As we all are working on our new years resolution of eating healthy, I hope this super healthy oatmeal recipe will get you closer to your goal.
If you liked this oatmeal breakfast recipe, you might also like:
- Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats
- Homemade Almond Milk Recipe
- Warm Farro Breakfast Bowl
- Baked Crunchy Blackberry Oatmeal
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Keep warm.♥
Oatmeal with Almond Milk and Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1/2 cup Old Fashioned Oats I used Quaker Oats
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds more as garnish
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted nuts like walnut (optional) almonds, macadamia nuts, etc.
- 2 tablespoons dried or fresh fruit (optional) For the one you see in the picture I used mulberries and pomegranate
Instructions
- Place almond milk, oats, chia seeds, and nuts in a small saucepan and let it come to a boil.
- Cook about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Place it in a bowl and garnish it with more nuts, dried fruits and chia seeds, if preferred.
Video
Notes
- The calorie information does not include the optional toppings in the recipe.
Nutrition
This Almond Milk Oatmeal post was originally published in January 2014. It has been updated with a quick how to video and some more helpful information in 2018.
Liz
I never thought to add chia to my oatmeal, but it’s a wonderful addition! Such a delicious way to start the day!
Aysegul Sanford
It sure is. Also, it is an easy way to spruce up your breakfast. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Liz.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
I eat oatmeal almost every day too! Love this recipe!
Aysegul Sanford
So glad to hear that Ashley. Thanks for coming by.
Trina Montano
Hi! I look forward to trying this recipe tomorrow morning. When I was reading the instructions, step 1 says to put the oats in with everything and let it come to a boil. And step 2 then says to “stir in” the oats. Is step 2 saying to just mix up everything, or is it saying that’s when you add in the oats?
I keep messing up my oatmeal so I just really want to be sure. Haha thank you!!!!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Trina,
Sorry about that error. You put all ingredients into the saucepan all at the same time, including the oats. I made the change.
I would recommend keeping a close eye on it while it is cooking as it thickens pretty quick.
I hope you like it. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Sam
This is my favorite recipe that I make almost every morning. It never gets old.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Rodger Simmons
I make this every single morning. This is the best oatmeal recipe on the internet.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Aysegul Sanford
So good to hear Rodger. Thanks for letting me know.
Annu
hi, what a beautifully written, useful post. can you please share how to make low fat almond milk at home.. thanx 🙂
Aysegul Sanford
Hello Annu,
Thanks for your kind words. I eat this every morning. 🙂
Here is a great recipe for almond milk. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-almond-milk-at-home-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-189996 – This is how I make mine.
Hope it helps.
Renate Bentley
I love this recipe. I just have one question: does it matter if you put the chia seeds in and cook 5 minutes with the oatmeal? In the video it shows that you cook the nuts, oatmeal and chia seeds; but in the directions you put the chia seeds the last min of cooking. I just cook the oatmeal first then stir in chia seeds and the rest, nuts, honey, cinnamon and fruit. I also like the unsweetened almond milk, never tried it before. Thanks again. Renate
Do you have any christmas cookie recipes? Thanks
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Renate,
Good catch. It doesn’t matter. You can do either way. I personally like to add everything and cook it all together so that i won’t forget any of the ingredients. Plus, I love everything to be warm. However, either way would work.
Almond milk is a great alternative to regular milk. My husband is lactose-intolerant so I rarely use milk in my cooking and baking. Still, if that is what you like go for it.
About the Christmas cookie… Yes, I do have 2 great recipes on the blog. First one is (my favorite) Coconut Sugar Cookies and the second one is Pecan Shortbread Cookies. Both recipes are naturally sweetened and so SO yummy.
Hope these help. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Kay
I’m confused by the calorie count. The oats themselves have over 200 calories so how can the entire recipe, including nuts, be this low?
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Kay,
To be honest with you, I do not know enough about calorie counting and how it is calculated to answer your question. I used a nutrition label generator called Nutrifox and it does all the calculation for me after I enter the ingredients. As mentioned in my “copyright and privacy policy”, the information provided on this website should be considered an approximate value and only be used for reference purposes not as medical advise. Please consult your doctor before you make a recipe if you have allergies or any other medical conditions.
I know this is not what you asked, but like I said I enter the ingredients and it generates a label for me.
Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Brenda Sanchez
I like eating raw oatmeal instead, I add walnuts, raisins, soymilk or almond milk, brown sugar to add a little sweetness. IT’S DELICIOUS!
Aysegul Sanford
Interesting.. I sometimes mix oatmeal with almond milk and let it sit in the fridge overnight. I guess yours is similar. Every once in a while it is a nice change from the hot oatmeal. Especially during the summer time…
Thank you for sharing Brenda!
constanza
I know I already wrote but I missed something, apart from the measurements, when exactly should I poor chia so they can get a “wet”?
thank you so much
constanza
hi, i love your article, i have a question though.
Can you please give the measurements of your breakfast.
how much milk
how much oat
thanks!
kisses
Aysegul Sanford
Hello Constanza,
The measurements are written in the recipe. But, I’ll list them again for you here:
1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
½ cup Old Fashioned Oats (I use Quaker Oats)
1 tablespoon Chia seeds
2 tablespoons unsalted nuts like walnut, almonds, macadamia nuts, etc.
2 tablespoons dried or fresh fruit (For the one you see in the picture I used mulberries and pomegranate)
For your second question: You sprinkle the chia seeds at the very end. Simply sprinkle them on top and give it a stir so that they’ll all coat with the oatmeal.
Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.
constanza
thanks so much for your answer , I hadn’t seen it .
YOU’VE BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND MY OAT BREAKFAST TASTES INCREDIBLE NOW
🙂
clare
hello, thank you so much for the recipe, I added a teaspoon of honey and a small banana and it was delicious! 🙂 I was just wondering how much maca powder to add? just got some and hoping to start adding that too, thank you in advance x
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Clare,
I am so glad you liked it.
In terms of the maca pawder, I’d start with a teaspoon and see if you like the taste. If you do, add as much as you want.
I usually add half a tablespoon or so (per person). I add it to the bowl after it is cooked.
Hope this helps. Thank you for stopping by!
Cindy
Hi! This is a nice recipe.
Can I cook this recipe using cold almond milk? Without boiling the milk?
Thank you!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Cindy,
I doubt that it would taste as good, but I think if you were to leave it in cold milk overnight (in the fridge) it may work. I’d add the chia seeds at the same time. This way they will have some time to expand and create a pudding-like consistency.
I hope this helps.
Thank you!
Ice
Viola
Hello! I’ve been following your site for some time now and finally got the
courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Lubbock Texas!
Just wanted to tell you keep up the great job!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Viola,
Thank you so much for your support. It means so much to me.
Let me know if I can answer any questions about any recipes..
Thanks again.
Cheers!
Ice
Leslie Ramey
So glad to find this recipe! I was searching for an oatmeal recipe with almond milk and chia that is not over night oatmeal. I’ve never tried Chia seeds but I just bought some. This recipe sounds so yummy and versatile! I’m going to make it right now. Thanks!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Leslie,
I am glad you found me. 🙂
This is my breakfast every single day.
I hope it works for you too.
Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Best,
Ice
Shannon
This is gonna be my 4th night having oatmeal made with almond milk for dinner.
I’ve been cooking 1 cup oats with 1 3/4 cup almond milk, then I put it in the blender
with a chopped up apple and run till smooth, next I pour it in my bowl and stir in
1/2 ts of cinnamon. It’s kinda a little to much mabey but I eat it around 7pm and
want it to stick with me without having to eat again till 7am. I go to bed at 9pm
and cant sleep if feeling hungry. Trying to figure out how to reduce the portion
without leaving me hungry a couple hours latter. Any other ideas for low calorie
stir-ins that would allow me to half my recipe and still stay full?
Aysegul Sanford
Oh wow Shannon.. 4th night?!!! 🙂
I would recommend adding Chia seeds. They are full of nutrition with very little calories. Also they expend in your stomach making you feel full for a much longer.
I hope this helps..
Good luck! Ice
Veena Sheen
you could add a couple of eggs on the side and reduce your oatmeal to 1 serving size.
Laura L. Williams
Last year I started using the Silk Almondmilk (unsweetened) and I immediately fell in love with it. Instead of for breakfast, I have oatmeal as my last meal of the day. I like to include chia seeds, (which I just started using recently) almonds and bananas with a 1/2 packet of stevia sweetener. Umm good!!!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Laura,
I like the idea of a lighter meal for the last meal of the day.
Bananas and almonds are a good idea as well.
I just bought some Maca Powder, planning to add that in there.
Cheers! 🙂
Chrissann
All the elements of a perfect breakfast, sounds like a great power meal to start the day. 🙂
Aimee / Wallflower Girl
I make something very similar to this quite often and love it! And I like your idea of using almond milk, bet that gives it a great flavour – I’ll try that next time 🙂
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Aimee,
I have been using almond milk instead of milk for almost a year now and I love it. It is light and tasty. Is it easy to find almond milk in U.K.?
Thank you!
Cheers..
Ice
Xara
hey can this be made ahead in time and reheated in morning next day ?
Aysegul Sanford
Yes, it can be. Though I would add a little bit of liquid in it before reheating it.
Hope this helps.
Dalya
This is my favorite breakfast too! I eat with raisons, fresh blueberries or strawberries. Walnuts add so much flavor too!