These bright, citrusy overnight oats use creamy cottage cheese to give you a protein boost. With over 34 grams of protein per serving, these oats are gluten-free and perfect for meal prepping breakfast. It’s gluten free, egg free, vegetarian and high in protein.

When I wake up and my mind starts flooding with all the things I need for the day, the last thing I want to do is make breakfast. But I know that if I eat anything or something on the go, I’ll be hungry in just a couple of hours.

So, when I want something quick and delicious that will keep me full for a long time, I always turn to my overnight oats.

This version of my overnight oats has everything: creamy oats blended with citrusy flavors. All of it melds together to create the best way to start the day.

Blending the cottage cheese into the base instead of simply stirring it gives the oats an almost cheesecake-like creaminess, while the zest and juice give it that punch of flavor.

Each jar delivers 34 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber, making it a highly filling breakfast (or snack). It’s like dessert but in a healthier way.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Unsweetened almond milk (1 cup) – Swap with oat milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk.

Cottage cheese (2 cups) – Substitute with Greek yogurt or blended silken tofu.

Maple syrup (1 tbsp) – Replace with honey, agave, or a couple of drops of liquid stevia.

Rolled oats (1 cup) – You can also use quick oats (softer texture) or steel-cut oats (chewier), or quinoa flakes to boost the protein. If you are looking to make a gluten-free recipe, make sure they are certified gluten-free.

Chia seeds (2 tbsp) – Swap with psyllium husk or more milled flaxseed.

Milled flaxseed (4 tbsp) – Use whole flaxseeds or wheat germ (wheat germ is not gluten free).

Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) – Replace with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice.

Zest of lemon (1) – Substitute with lime or orange zest.

Lemon juice (2 tbsp) – Lime juice is a great alternative.

Extra lemon zest, for topping  

How to Make Lemon Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats

Step 1. Add the almond milk, cottage cheese, maple syrup, and lemon juice to a blender. Blend until it creates a smooth batter.

Step 2. Grab a medium bowl and combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, milled flaxseeds, and cinnamon.

Step 3. Pour the blended cottage cheese mix over the dry ingredients.

Step 4. Add the lemon zest and give the ingredients a good stir.

Step 5. Divide into 2 jars evenly and cover them. Place in the fridge and keep them there for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Give it a good stir before serving, and add extra lemon zest on top.

My Tips & Tricks

1. Zest before you juice: It’s much easier to zest a whole lemon than one that’s been squeezed.
2. Let the oats rest: I recommend letting them rest for at least 8 hours so the flavors meld and the oats and chia soak up all the liquid.
3. Add more milk if it’s too thick: If the oats seem too thick after being in the fridge, add a splash of almond milk to loosen them up.