Honey Triple Berry & Soaked Oats Smoothie
By Amanda Paa – Last updated: May 17, 2020
While I was in Long Beach a few weeks ago visiting my friend Meg, she made sure we got to the Sunday farmers market for juicy California strawberries. As their season has just begun in the sunny state, they were freshly picked, evident from the dew still dancing on the wood crate. I ate several before I had even handed over my $5, all that goodness concentrated into one perfect, succulent bite. I stood and coveted the moment, a wide grin beaming from ear to ear as I wiped the juice off my chin.
In Minnesota we have a very short berry season due to the northern climate, typically from early June to mid-July. And although I can freeze some of them after gorging myself for days in response to their fleeting appearance, it just doesn’t compare to that experience of eating them fresh.
So imagine my eyes when 10 pounds of blueberries, blackberries and strawberries arrived at my door from California Giant Berries. And although I love eating what my local farmers grow, it’s hard for a girl to wait until June to have them in her kitchen.
Let’s hop right to it with this creamy, dairy-free Triple Berry & Soaked Oats Smoothie. There are a million smoothie recipes, but there’s a little secret to the super thick texture in this one that doesn’t come from yogurt or ice……
Often these slurp-able drinks are made with frozen berries, which gives them thickness, but not always the same puckery sweetness as fresh. Or fresh berry smoothie recipes usually include a lot ice to get the texture right, which ends up watering down the flavor. My answer? Soaked oats (as in, overnight oats). By letting these whole grains take a bath in almond milk, they plump up, soften, and when blended, create a thicker, heartier drink.
Added bonus: Soaking the oats makes them easier for our bodies to digest, and because they have a hefty dose of fiber (and manganese – great for bone structure), this smoothie is all the more satisfying.
I really liked the kiss of vanilla and local honey blended in, totally elevating delicious strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. For a healthy fat boost, I added a bit of coconut oil, and extra hemp seeds sprinkled on top.
Thick, wholesome, and hearty. It’s a berrylicious triple threat in my opinion. Enjoy!
Triple Berry & Soaked Oats Smoothie
Recipe Type: dairy-free
Author:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup gluten-free oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your preference)
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons virgin coconut oil
- 2 ice cubes
- [url href=”http://amzn.to/1UvxJPO” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]hemp seeds[/url]
Instructions
- Put oats and almond milk in a glass jar. Stir and refrigerate overnight.
- Add soaked oats to a blender in the morning, followed by remaining ingredients.
- Blend for 30 seconds using a high powered blender, until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if you would like. Sprinkle with hemp seeds and extra berries!
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March 31, 2016
Ok, so since you posted this earlier in the week, I have been making overnight oats for myself every day this week! :) I cannot wait to get my hands on some berries to make this beauty of a smoothie. xo.
The idea of using soaked oats as a thickener is kind of blowing my mind! My youngest and I are the smoothie makers and drinkers of the family and I’m definitely going to give this a try this week- so excited! Love, love, love!
Kind of a fun concept! Works best in a vitamix or blendtec, which I’m sure you have. I always add 2-3 ice cubes to make it cold. Enjoy! xo
I adore these photos and this smoothie!! And so good to know that CA Giant is non-GMO!
This smoothie looks incredible! I never thought about soaking the oats before making the smoothie! Now that its inching towards summer, I want ALL the berries!
That color! I never would have thought to use overnight oats in a smoothie, but it is pure genius. Definitely trying it next time I have some fresh fruit. (Jealous of those berries – I feel like everyone lives in California and is posting about all the fresh produce, and I’m here in Michigan like, “hey, it’s snowing today!”) Patience, Willow, patience.
i totally hear you on the having patience for warmer weather. i forget that april in Minnesota still means 40 degrees some days, and for that matter 28 like yesterday. but alas, the smoothie helps bring vibrance! xo
I’m on such a smoothie bender right now! Love soaking the oats…what a great idea!! PS I grew up in Long Beach. ;) xoxo
this smoothie has gotten me on the train. i typically don’t make a lot of them, but i’m loving how juicy and creamy this one is! oh, and the fact that I had A LOT of berries to use up. :) i would have brought some to you for scone making if you would be my neighbor :) xo
Berries are my favorite fruits EVER! Same with the rest of my family though, which is why it’s so hard to eat a lot in my house!
A berry delivery like that is pretty much the best mail day ever! <3 The berries are absolutely gorgeous and I love the trio you used here. I've never tried overnight oats in a smoothie – brilliant!! xoxo
Those berries look absolutely divine! Makes me want to go picking! The last time I went berry picking was three years ago in Indiana with Alex’s family … it’s been too long.
oh, i know! i’m having a hard time thinking we have to wait until june to do that. the berries out in CA were beautiful a few weeks ago already! midwest just takes a little while…. thanks for stopping by!
TEN POUNDS! That’s heavenly. And so is this smoothie. The flavors melt together so beautifully. I am going to try soaking my oats for smoothies immediately. xx
it was berry outrageous ;) ! the little blueberry muffins on insta were a result from them too. and yes for the soak! sooooo creamy. xo
I really should make overnight oats more often than I do, especially when berries start coming into season! I am like you, since we have such a short growing season for these gems, I buy tons of them, freeze them, then use them when winter is still holding on :) This smoothie is beautiful Amanda, your pictures just get prettier and prettier! xo (p.s. See you next week!!)
What a great partnership, Amanda! Fresh berries delivered to your door sounds pretty awesome! Our season is a bit longer here, but still relatively short and I’m jealous of all those Californian’s and their extended time to enjoy fresh berries! Love the idea of soaking the oats. Can’t wait to try it!
i’m constantly jealous of CA. we need different weather for longer strawberry season and ability to grow grapes for wiiiiinnnnneeee!