Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats Low Calorie with Lemon and Greek Yogurt

Some mornings you just need breakfast to handle itself. That is exactly what these blueberry chia overnight oats do. You spend five minutes assembling everything the night before, tuck the jar in the fridge, and wake up to a creamy, satisfying bowl that tastes like a treat but works hard for your health. With under 320 calories per serving and a solid 22 grams of protein, this is one of those rare breakfasts that genuinely keeps you full until lunch without weighing you down.
What makes this version stand out from the usual overnight oats crowd is the layering of nutrition. Rolled oats bring slow-release complex carbohydrates and beta-glucan fibre, which research consistently links to better blood sugar control and sustained energy. Chia seeds swell overnight and create that thick, pudding-like texture everyone loves, while also contributing omega-3 fatty acids and an extra hit of fibre. Plain low-fat Greek yogurt is the real protein hero here, adding creaminess along with gut-friendly probiotics. Fresh blueberries bring natural sweetness, anthocyanins, and a gorgeous deep colour without any need for added syrup or honey. A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice lifts the whole flavour and balances the richness beautifully. Rather than sweetening with sugar, this recipe uses a ripe mashed banana stirred into the base, which adds natural sweetness, potassium, and a slightly thicker texture without spiking the calorie count unnecessarily.
The process is genuinely foolproof. You stir the dry and wet ingredients together in a jar, fold through half the blueberries, then seal and refrigerate. The chia seeds and oats absorb the liquid overnight, transforming into a creamy, spoonable breakfast with no cooking required. In the morning you add the remaining fresh blueberries on top, along with any optional toppings you fancy. A small sprinkle of hemp seeds or a few crushed walnuts adds a satisfying crunch and a little extra healthy fat if you want to make the meal even more substantial. The lemon zest on top is optional but highly recommended. It makes the whole jar smell and taste incredibly fresh, almost like blueberry lemon cheesecake without any of the guilt.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats, making it a great option for people managing gluten sensitivity. It is also easy to make dairy-free by swapping the Greek yogurt for a thick unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt, though this will reduce the protein slightly. The recipe scales up effortlessly, so making three or four jars at once for a full week of easy breakfasts is absolutely the move. Meal prepping these on a Sunday evening sets you up for five calm, nourishing mornings when time is short and temptation to grab something less healthy is at its peak. Each jar stores well for up to four days in the fridge, and the texture actually improves after the first night as the oats continue to soften and the flavours deepen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
- 1.5 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any low-calorie milk of choice)
- 1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt (2% fat works well for creaminess)
- 1 medium ripe banana (mashed, for natural sweetness)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (divided, half stirred in and half for topping)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for topping)
- 1 tsp hemp seeds (optional topping for extra protein and crunch)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl or directly in your jar, mash the quarter banana with a fork until smooth. Add the Greek yogurt, almond milk, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined and no lumps remain.
Mashing the banana directly into the liquid ingredients saves you washing an extra dish.
- 2
Add the rolled oats and chia seeds to the bowl. Stir thoroughly for about 30 seconds to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and not clumping together.
Clumped chia seeds do not hydrate evenly, so take a moment to really mix them through.
- 3
Gently fold in half of the blueberries, about a quarter cup. They will soften slightly overnight and release a little juice into the oats, creating a natural blueberry swirl through the mixture.
- 4
Transfer the mixture into a mason jar or airtight container with a lid. Seal and refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
Give the jar a gentle shake or stir after about 15 minutes in the fridge to prevent any chia seeds from settling at the bottom.
- 5
In the morning, remove the jar from the fridge. If the oats look thicker than you like, stir in a splash of almond milk to loosen them to your preferred consistency.
- 6
Top with the remaining fresh blueberries, a small pinch of lemon zest and hemp seeds if using. Eat cold straight from the jar or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it slightly less chilled.
Add toppings just before eating to keep them fresh and texturally distinct from the creamy oat base.
Nutrition per serving
315kcal
Calories
22g
Protein
42g
Carbs
7g
Fat
10g
Fibre
11g
Sugar
95mg
Sodium
Pro Tips
- ✓
Use the ripest banana you have for the most natural sweetness without adding any extra sugar.
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Rolled oats give the best texture for overnight oats. Quick oats go too mushy and steel-cut oats stay too chewy without cooking.
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If you want to boost protein further, stir in a scoop of unflavoured or vanilla protein powder with the dry ingredients before refrigerating.
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Make four or five jars on Sunday night for a full week of grab-and-go breakfasts.
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Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh for stirring into the base. They thaw overnight and release a vibrant purple colour through the oats.
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For an even lower calorie version, use a full cup of unsweetened almond milk and skip the banana entirely, adding a tiny pinch of stevia if you want a touch of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations
- •
High Protein Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats
Stir one scoop of vanilla protein powder into the base before refrigerating. This bumps protein up to around 35 grams per jar and adds only a small amount of calories, depending on your protein powder brand.
- •
Blueberry Lemon Coconut Overnight Oats
Swap almond milk for light coconut milk and add a tablespoon of desiccated unsweetened coconut into the base. Top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
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Blueberry Almond Butter Overnight Oats
Swirl one teaspoon of natural almond butter into the top of the jar before sealing. It adds healthy fats and a nutty richness that pairs really well with the blueberry and lemon flavours.
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Mixed Berry Chia Overnight Oats
Replace half the blueberries with raspberries or sliced strawberries for a mixed berry version that is equally vibrant and delicious.
Substitutions
- •Almond milk → Oat milk, skimmed dairy milk, or soy milk (Soy milk will add a few extra grams of protein. Oat milk adds slightly more carbohydrates and calories.)
- •Plain low-fat Greek yogurt → Unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond yogurt (Makes the recipe vegan and dairy-free. Protein content will be lower unless you choose a fortified plant-based yogurt.)
- •Ripe banana → 1 teaspoon maple syrup or a pinch of stevia (Removing the banana reduces potassium and natural fibre slightly but lowers the carb count. Stevia keeps calories lowest.)
- •Fresh blueberries → Frozen blueberries (Frozen blueberries work perfectly in the base. Add them straight from frozen and they will thaw completely overnight.)
- •Chia seeds → Ground flaxseed (Use the same quantity. Ground flaxseed gives a slightly different texture but still thickens the oats and provides omega-3 fatty acids.)
🧊 Storage
Store in a sealed mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep toppings such as fresh blueberries and hemp seeds separate and add them just before eating. Do not freeze overnight oats as the texture becomes watery and unpleasant on thawing.
📅 Make Ahead
This recipe is ideal for batch meal prep. Prepare up to 4 jars at once using the same ratios per jar. Label each jar with the date prepared so you always know what to reach for first. The flavour actually deepens slightly on day two and three as the oats continue to absorb the lemon and blueberry notes.


