Strawberry Oatmeal with Chia Seeds Recipe

Ash Tyrrell

Strawberry Oatmeal with Chia Seeds Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this strawberry oatmeal with chia seeds—it felt like a small win on a busy morning. I wanted something warm, filling, and nourishing without spending forever in the kitchen.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Servings: 2

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Rolled oats – 1 cup: Rolled oats cook evenly and give a creamy texture without turning mushy; they work better than instant oats because they hold their shape and provide better bite.
Fresh strawberries – 1 cup chopped: Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and bright flavor; avoid frozen strawberries as they release excess water and can make the oatmeal watery.
Chia seeds – 1 tablespoon: Chia seeds naturally thicken the oatmeal while adding fiber protein, and omega-3s; letting them sit briefly helps them absorb liquid properly.
Milk or water – 2 cups: Milk creates a richer, creamier oatmeal, while water keeps it lighter; dairy or plant-based milk both work well depending on preference.
Honey or maple syrup – 1 to 2 teaspoons: A natural sweetener enhances the strawberry flavor without overpowering it; adjust the amount depending on the ripeness of your berries.
Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon: Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the oatmeal making the flavors taste more balanced and comforting.
Salt – a small pinch: Salt sharpens and enhances the overall flavor preventing the oatmeal from tasting flat or bland.

Method

Start by washing and chopping the strawberries into small pieces. Measure out the oats, chia seeds, milk, and sweetener so everything is ready. This makes cooking smooth and stress-free. I always do this first to avoid rushing once the stove is on.
In a saucepan, bring the milk (or water) to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add the rolled oats and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat slightly. Stir occasionally so the oats don’t stick and cook evenly.
Once the oats begin to soften, stir in the chia seeds and vanilla extract. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. The chia seeds will absorb liquid and thicken the oatmeal naturally.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and sweetener. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the strawberries soften slightly but still hold their shape. This keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the oatmeal sit for 1 to 2 minutes. This short rest helps everything come together. Spoon into bowls and get ready to enjoy.

Notes

I like mashing a few strawberry pieces while cooking to naturally sweeten the oats.
If the oatmeal gets too thick, I add a splash of warm milk to loosen it.
I always taste before serving and adjust sweetness at the end.
Letting the oatmeal rest briefly makes it creamier and more cohesive.