These orange overnight oats take just a minute to prepare the night before & in the morning for an easy, delicious and healthy citrusy and nutty breakfast.

glass of orange overnight oats with spoon in front

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When I was making and writing up the post for the calamari salad I shared recently, it got me reminiscing about our trip last year a bit. The hotel we stayed at in Cyprus had a buffet breakfast which I can often be a bit skeptical of, but this one was actually pretty good.

As well as the chef on hand to cook eggs to order, they also had a great mix of hot and cold options, including lots of fruit, cheeses and meat and a bread station with about five breads to slice yourself, local house-made jams and other goodness.

My son was all about bread and jam, with a bit of watermelon or other fruit on the side. I varied what I had, and one or two days enjoyed their orange overnight oats. In truth, being in Europe, they called it bircher muesli as I have made in it's 'original' style (and with mango and strawberry) before, but for US readers I know overnight oats is the more familiar name.

glass of orange overnight oats from side

I really liked the citrus undertone and decided I should make a version myself at home some time. It only took me six months but I got there, and I'm so glad I did. Especially now that the weather is warmer, these orange overnight oats are the perfect, easy breakfast.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are simply oats left to soak in some kind of liquid overnight, usually milk or juice, then you can mix in or top with additional things like nuts or fruit.

For something so simple, there are lots of options and it makes for a great healthy breakfast when you are busy as there is basically nothing to do in the morning. The only challenge is remembering to make them up the night before which believe me I have had a few times, but I am very glad when I do.

orange overnight oats viewed from overhead

These orange overnight oats are one of the easiest versions I have made yet but they are definitely not lacking in flavor. They are also great for being adaptable with add-ins.

I have suggested mixing in flaked almonds, shredded coconut and dried cranberries as all go well with the flavors and textures. However of course feel free to adapt these to other things if you prefer. Chocolate also pair well with orange, for example, so you could for example add a few chocolate chips.

If you're an orange fan, then why not also try some other orange-flavored treats like chocolate orange shortbread or this easy orange posset recipe (a creamy dessert).

glass of orange overnight oats with spoon to side and orange behind

I know for many of us, breakfast can either be a bit of a rush or just plain fuzzy before the coffee/tea kicks in (or both). So having something that's tasty, healthy and that's so quick to finish off in the morning like these orange overnight oats is a bit of a lifesaver. Simple to make, easy to enjoy and they set you up for the day. The perfect midweek breakfast to me.

Try these other oaty breakfasts:

Swiss Bircher muesli (the original overhead oats)
Banana oatmeal
Healthy apple oatmeal cookies (hey, they're healthy so why not have them for breakfast!)
Plus get many more breakfast and brunch recipes in the archives.

glass of orange overnight oats with spoon to side

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