Banana chai overnight oats combines a banana chai smoothie with overnight oats for a flavorful and healthy breakfast on-the-go. Overnight smoothie oats – “Smoats” as I call them – are a great way for athletes to to fuel summer workouts.  Chai spices add a deep and spicy flavor, flaxseeds and chia seeds adds healthy omega-3 fatty acids and oatmeal provides complex carbohydrates for long-lasting energy.  Overnight smoats are vegan and can be gluten-free if made with gluten-free oats.  

Overnight oats are great, but have you tried overnight smoats?  About a month ago, I had the idea of using a smoothie as the liquid for overnight oats.   The smoothie adds additional nutrients to the oatmeal.  Sometimes a smoothie is not filling enough after a long run.  Sometimes overnight oats are just kinda blah.  But combing a smoothie with overnight oats to make smoats leaves me full and satisfied, especially after a long run.  This recipe is a convenient way to refuel from a workout.

The banana chai smoothie is easy to make.  Banana, flaxseed, brewed chai tea, a dash of vanilla extract and almond milk.  Add protein powder for an additional post-workout boost.  Flaxseeds are a source of plant based protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids.   Chai tea is a black tea that contains polyphenols.  They are antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation (source).  Plus chai-spiced anything is so delicious.

Then mix the smoothie into to rolled oats, chia seeds and a pinch of salt. Chia seeds contain plant-based protein, calcium, fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats (source).  Oatmeal, a popular food for runners, is a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber.  Transfer the smoothie oats to the refrigerator, and in the morning enjoy banana chai overnight smoats!  A healthy, convenient, portable, breakfast for post-run refuel.  Mix in additional fruit, maybe a scoop of peanut butter, coconut, whatever other toppings you want.

Want more oatmeal?  Check out this recipe for pomegranate oatmeal and these vegan strawberry baked oatmeal bars.  Want more chai flavors in your life?  Get the recipe for these garam masala spiced vegan muffins.

If you try this recipe, let me know!  Rate it, leave a comment, take a picture and tag @Rabbitfoodruns on Instagram.  I would love to see how you enjoy your banana chai overnight smoats! Linking with Deborah and Sarah for Meatless Monday

Buen provecho,

Becca

Print Recipe

Banana Chai Overnight Smoats

Banana chai overnight oats combines a banana chai smoothie with overnight oats for a flavorful and healthy breakfast. Full of plant based protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates, this is a great breakfast on-the-go for athletes.

Servings

serving

Ingredients

Banana Chai Smoothie

• 1/2 c brewed chai tea *See notes
• 1 medium ripe banana
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Smoats

• 1/2 c rolled oats use gluten-free if needed
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Servings serving Ingredients Banana Chai Smoothie 1/2 c brewed chai tea *See notes 1 medium ripe banana 1 1/2 tbsp ground flaxseed 1 tbsp almond milk 1 tsp vanilla extract For the Smoats 1/2 c rolled oats use gluten-free if needed 2 tbsp chia seeds 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Boil hot water. Pour one cup of hot water over 1 or 2 chai tea bags (more bags for a deeper chai flavor) and let steep in a jar for 5 minutes.
2. Discard the tea bags and add the brewed chai tea to a blender with the banana, flaxseeds, almond milk and vanilla extract. Add optional vegan protein powder. Blend on high until well mixed.
3. In a glass jar with a lid, add the rolled oats, chia seeds and salt. Mix well to distribute the seeds. Pour in the smoothie and mix well.
4. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator to thicken and then enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• If you do not have chai tea, a simple single-serving spice mix is:  1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp nutmeg and a pinch of black pepper.

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