Start by placing the rolled oats into a mason jar or small bowl. Then add almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and fresh mandarin orange juice.
Use a spoon to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure the oats are fully coated with the milk and yogurt mixture so they soften properly.
Mixing well helps distribute the citrus flavor evenly and ensures the chia seeds don’t clump together.
Next, fold in the sliced mandarin orange pieces. These juicy pieces give bursts of natural sweetness and make the oats taste even fresher.
You can also save a few slices to use as a topping later if you prefer a prettier presentation.
Seal the jar or container and place it in the refrigerator. Let the oats soak for at least two hours, but overnight soaking gives the best texture.
During this time, the oats absorb the liquid, the chia seeds thicken the mixture, and all the flavors blend together.
When you’re ready to eat, give the oats a quick stir. Add extra orange slices, chopped nuts, or a spoonful of yogurt on top for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy the oats cold straight from the jar, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer a slightly softer texture.