Lemon Blueberry Vanilla Protein Oats

A summery Lemon Blueberry Vanilla Protein Oats with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy! Sneak in some cauliflower rice for added bulk, add on greek yogurt, a chopped up protein bar and a splash of vanilla to the top, and you have a complete nutritious high protein breakfast!

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A little inside story – This is the first time I’ve ever eaten plain blueberries in my life. *Cue the judgement*

The reason I’ve never had them before is because I’ve never really been a berry person. But this morning I really really wanted a lemon flavored oatmeal – instead of my usual chocolate that is – and I know everyone’s all about the lemon blueberry thing right now.

So instead of just using the fruit it as a topping for pretty pictures, I decided to actually eat it too.

Made the lemon oats (with my usual sneaky cauliflower rice and vanilla protein powder) and stirred the greek yogurt and blueberries (after doing a shoot of course) in. Crossed my fingers and tried a spoonful.

What a combination this was!

I totally see the hype!

Tips to cook the perfect creamy oatmeal?

There’s plenty of ways to do this (instant pot, crock pot, baked), but this recipe is for stovetop oats.

So here’s basic directions for how to cook rolled oats on the stove:

• For every 1 cup of dry oats, you want to add 2 cups of liquid.
  A lot of people make their stovetop steel cut oatmeal with almond milk or a mix with water, but since there’s going to be protein powder added to this oatmeal, just water should be good here,
• All you need to do is whisk the oats and water in a saucepan and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
• Try to use a non stick sauce pan if possible and make sure to stir the oatmeal every now and then so it doesn’t stick to the bottom – non stick pan or not.

Cauliflower in this Protein Powder Oatmeal (?!)

Yes! I always add riced cauliflower to my oatmeal since it adds the bulk without all those carbs and calories. Plus you get to eat vegetables for breakfast without even tasting them!

So to turn this regular healthy oatmeal recipe into something better, make it a high protein version – proats – that’s also rich in nutrients, add in a scoop of protein powder and cauliflower rice!

What Vanilla Protein Powder to add to Oats?

The most popular option is to add a vanilla whey protein powder to the oatmeal.

My all-time favorite brand is Quest! I used the Quest Nutrition Vanilla Milkshake protein powder – a whey casein blend – for this oatmeal recipe.

They also have a lot of other amazing flavors. Some of my top choices are Peanut Butter and Cinnamon Crunch and of course the Chocolate.

Another thing to note is that if you use a stevia-sweetened protein powder you have a recipe for oatmeal that’s delicious with no sugar.

Vegan and Gluten-free High Protein Oats?

Just use gluten-free Rolled Oats for this oatmeal and a Vegan Vanilla Protein Protein Power.

Orgain makes good Vegan ones. Use my code HAYLSKITCHEN for 30% off your first order.

Also, stick to the almond milk or any other non-dairy milk, and use a soy or coconut based yogurt for that topping. Feel free to even drop it if you’d prefer.

Can you store these Vanilla Protein Powder Oatmeal?

Yes!

Keep the cooked oatmeal in the fridge or freezer in airtight containers but don’t add in the cauliflower and protein powder.

If you bulk-cook and meal-prep, portion it out into individual containers.

When its time to eat, thaw the oats overnight if frozen, and then microwave or heat it on the stovetop with some more water.

Then go ahead with the cauliflower rice and protein powder part according to the recipe.

Other Options for these Lemon Oats?

Turn this into a lemon blueberry protein oatmeal cake!

• Follow the recipe.
• Transfer the oats to an airtight bowl-shaped container (or just use a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap) and let it cool completely.
  You could put it in the fridge for a bit.
• Invert it onto a plate, top it with yogurt and blueberries and spoon it.

Make vanilla lemon blueberry protein overnight oats!

• Use almond milk instead of the water 
• Use the extra oats option in place of the cauliflower rice
• Stir the oats, milk and protein powder (maybe even add some yogurt, or chia seeds), in a jar or airtight container, and place it in the fridge for 4-8 hours

Some more healthy topping ideas for Lemon Blueberry Proats?

• Poppy seeds – Lemon Poppyseed is a classic combo and oatmeal would be such a good base.
• Granola
• Chopped or Whole Nuts
• More berries – maybe blackberries?
• And then there’s a pinch of cinnamon

So many ways to go here!

Some more delicious Protein Oatmeal Recipes?

• Everyday Cauliflower Steel Cut Protein Oats
• Brownie Batter Overnight Proats
• Protein Zucchini Oats
• Hearty Quinoa PrOatmeal Bowl