Protein Chia Seed Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
This Protein Chia Seed Oatmeal with Apple Cinnamon is a nutritious and delicious breakfast packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Combining steel-cut oats, chia seeds, Medjool dates, pumpkin seeds, and fresh apples, it offers a satisfying texture and warm, cozy flavors enhanced by Ceylon cinnamon and vanilla. This recipe is perfect for a wholesome start to your day and can be made ahead by soaking or cooking the oats, making it convenient for busy mornings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Oats
- 1/2 cup dry steel-cut oats (or 1 1/2 cups cooked oats)
Seeds and Nuts
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup hemp hearts
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 1/2 cups nondairy milk (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Fruits
- 1/4 cup Medjool dates (about 4, pitted)
- 2 medium apples
Dairy/Alternative
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened Greek-style yogurt (plant-based or regular Greek yogurt)
Instructions
- Cook or Soak Oats: Choose between two preparation methods for the oats. To cook, simmer 1/2 cup dry steel-cut oats in 3 cups of water for about 20 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain excess water if needed and let the oats cool completely. Alternatively, soak the oats by covering them with 1 1/2 cups boiling water in a bowl, refrigerating overnight, then rinsing and draining in the morning.
- Soak Chia Seeds: In a large bowl, combine chia seeds with 1 1/2 cups nondairy milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps and set aside to continue soaking.
- Prepare Date-Pumpkin Seed Clusters: Finely chop the pitted Medjool dates and raw pumpkin seeds together until a sticky crumbly texture forms, which will add natural sweetness and crunch to your oatmeal.
- Grate Apples: Grate the 2 medium apples with the skin on to retain nutrients and add natural sweetness and moisture to the oatmeal.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooled and drained oats into the chia seed mixture evenly. Fold in the date-pumpkin seed clusters, hemp hearts, unsweetened Greek-style yogurt, Ceylon cinnamon, and grated apples. Adjust the consistency as desired by adding more nondairy milk. Optionally, add lemon zest for a fresh brightness to the final dish.
Notes
- You can prepare the oats using either the cooking or soaking method based on your time and preference.
- Use plant-based Greek-style yogurt for a vegan option or regular Greek yogurt if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of nondairy milk to achieve your preferred oatmeal texture, more milk for a creamier consistency.
- Adding lemon zest is optional but provides a nice contrast to the sweet and warm flavors.
- This dish can be eaten immediately or chilled for a refreshing cold breakfast.
