• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggies Don't Bite
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easter
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
  • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Easter
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Resources
    • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home ▸ Vegan Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    Savory Oats Recipe

    Last modified: January 10, 2023. Originally posted: January 7, 2023 By Sophia DeSantis

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Collage of savory oats being made with spinach sautéing in a pot, then the oats and milk added and the final in a grey bowl with overlay text in the center.
    Top view of a grey bowl with a savory spinach oats in it and a spoon getting a bite from the bowl.

    This savory oats recipe is going to become your new favorite way to start the day. Only seven ingredients and five minutes to a healthy amazing breakfast!

    I was skeptical about my oats not being sweet based, but once I started experimenting with savory oatmeal recipes, I quickly became a huge fan!

    Spoon in a bowl filled with spinach oatmeal on a grey plate
    Click here to subscribe

    This post was originally published on December 5, 2018.

    Most of my oat recipes are on the sweet side, like my baked blueberry oatmeal and vegan overnight oats. But I often crave a savory vegan breakfast so these savory oats with spinach always hits the spot!

    Ingredients

    Here are the items you need to make this simple savory oatmeal recipe:

    • Unsweetened cashew milk 
    • Lemon juice
    • Fresh spinach
    • Rolled oats
    • Vegan Parmesan 
    • Garlic powder
    • Sea salt
    Plate and bowls with ingredients needed to make a spinach oatmeal

    How to Make Savory Oatmeal

    If I can get this done before my kids ask for something else, you too can make it. I feel like every time I turn around someone needs me. So when I figured out how fast I could actually have a hot savory breakfast, I jumped in excitement.

    True story. Full spontaneous jumping. Which when you're a mom of three, may lead to peeing your pants a little. No shame here. This brekkie is totally worth it.

    Be prepared, tighten that pelvic floor, and make this. Here's how:

    1. Sauté the spinach.
    2. Add the oats and milk. 
    3. Enjoy! 
    Spinach being sautéed with a wooden spoon in a metal pot.
    A wooden spoon mixing spinach and oats in a metal pot.
    Glass jar on a white napkin filled with savory spinach and oats.

    More Savory Oats Flavor Suggestions

    The best part of this recipe is that it can be customized any way you want! The simplicity of oatmeal and spinach is great and easy, but it's fun to shake things up! Either add in any of these as a mix in or topping, or create a completely new combination:

    Veggies and Greens:

    • Mushrooms
    • Bell peppers
    • Roasted peppers
    • Asparagus
    • Cabbage
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Zucchini
    • Roasted garlic
    • Tomatoes
    • Avocados
    • Jalapeños
    • Sun dried tomatoes
    • Artichoke hearts
    • Edamame
    • Spinach
    • Arugula
    • Kale
    • Cabbage
    • Sprouts
    • Green Onion

    Protein:

    • Vegan scrambled eggs
    • Chickpeas
    • Lentils
    • Black beans
    • Tempeh
    • Tofu
    • Falafel
    • Sausage (Make your own homemade vegan and gluten free sausage!)
    • Chopped nuts: Walnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts, etc.
    • Seeds: chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.

    Sauces and Seasonings:

    • Pesto
    • Tahini
    • Vegan Tzatziki
    • Vegan buffalo sauce
    • Onion Gravy
    • Fresh herbs: basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, parsley, or dill
    • Spices: paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, basil, chili powder, turmeric, etc.
    • Taco seasoning

    Savory Flavor Combinations

    Not feeling too creative? Try these savory oat ideas:

    • Onions, peppers, celery, and sausage
    • Sun dried tomato, basil, and dairy free Parmesan
    • Veggies and sweet potatoes
    • Pesto, arugula, sun dried tomatoes
    • Turmeric and chickpeas
    • Kale, spinach, zucchini, green onions, and dill
    • Taco seasoning, black beans, peppers, avocado
    • Falafel, tzatziki, tomatoes, dill
    • Vegan egg, mushroom bacon, and avocado

    What to Serve with Savory Oatmeal

    If you want a complete breakfast spread, here are some plant based recipes you can serve as well:

    • Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
    • Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
    • Blueberry French Toast Breakfast Muffins
    • Vegan Breakfast Cookies
    • Pea Protein Strawberry, Banana and Hidden Spinach Smoothie

    Preparation Tips

    This super simple savory oatmeal recipe is hard to mess up! Here are a few extra suggestions to help you out:

    • To keep this recipe oil free, use veggie broth to sauté the spinach.
    • Unsweetened cashew milk is what I like to use, but any dairy free milk will do. Just make sure it's unsweetened and unflavored.
      • Or, use veggie broth instead of milk
    • For extra flavorful spinach, check out this recipe for Sautéed Spinach.
    • Cook a little longer to make the consistency extra thick.
    • You can also make this in a microwave.
      • Put the ingredients in a microwave safe mug.
      • Cook for 2-4 minutes depending on your oats and microwave.
      • Start at 2 and keep cooking in 30 second increments

    Storage Tips

    • Meal prep overnight oats style. In the morning it's simply heat and serve!
    • Store prepared oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.
    • Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
      • It will likely thicken so you may need to add more milk to thin it back out.

    Common Questions

    What can you put in oatmeal to make it taste better?

    Anything! You can go the savory route like this recipe with spinach, vegan parmesan, and seasonings. Or, go sweet and add berries and date paste like in this recipe for Berry Cobbler Overnight Oats.

    Can you put soy sauce in oatmeal?

    Yes, you can put soy sauce in oatmeal. I would recommend adding it to savory flavored oats as opposed to sweet.

    Is it OK to eat oatmeal for dinner?

    Yes! In our house, food is food and time restrictions don't count. Making savory oatmeal is a great way to make it feel more like dinner. Add more veggies or serve with a loaded salad for a complete meal.

    What does salt do in oatmeal?

    Salt enhances flavor, so by adding it to oatmeal you're bringing out the flavor of the oats as well as any additions you've made.

    More Vegan Oatmeal Recipes

    Oats are so versatile! Check out all these plant based recipes:

    • The Best Creamy Oatmeal
    • Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
    • Quick and Easy Peach Overnight Oats
    • The Best Healthy Vegan Overnight Oats
    • Vegan Baked Oatmeal
    • Banana Oat Blender Muffins
    • Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies
    Click here to subscribe
    Grey bowl with spinach oatmeal and a metal spoon in it.

    Savory Oats Recipe

    Sophia DeSantis
    This savory oats recipe is going to become your new favorite way to start the day. Only seven ingredients and five minutes to a healthy amazing breakfast!
    4.75 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course 30 Minutes or Less, Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 187 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ⅔ cups unsweetened cashew milk , can sub another milk of choice
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    • 2 cups fresh spinach , measure packed
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • Drizzle of veggie broth or oil to sauté
    • ½ cup rolled oats
    • Grateable Vegan Parmesan , optional for topping

    Instructions
     

    • Mix the lemon juice and milk and set aside.
    • Sauté the spinach with the garlic powder and salt using oil, or broth if you don’t use oil, until slightly wilted. About 2 minutes
    • Add in the milk mixture and the oats and stir until thick and you’ve reached desired consistency. About 2-3 minutes.
    • Top with Parmesan if using and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Make this as thick and cooked as you prefer.
    • The Parmesan is optional but highly recommended.
    • You can also make this in a microwave by putting the ingredients in a microwave safe mug and cooking for 2-4 minutes depending on your oats and microwave. Start at 2 and keep cooking in 30 second increments.

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 677mgPotassium: 481mgFiber: 5gSugar: 0gVitamin A: 5625IUVitamin C: 18.8mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 3.3mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

    Never miss a recipe!Sign up here and get a FREE quick and easy meal guide!
    A photo of a signature saying Sophia with a blueberry as the letter O
    « Cheese Alternatives for Vegans
    Best Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe »
    3.2K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Questions or comments? Let me know below! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Erin

      January 10, 2023 at 9:35 am

      I loved your savory oats recipe. I especially loved how you used pecans. I always find that oatmeal recipes that use nuts or seeds are the best.

      Reply
      • Sophia DeSantis

        January 10, 2023 at 10:41 am

        Hi Erin! I am so glad you liked the savory oats! About the pecans, do you mean in my regular oatmeal recipe? I love nuts in my oatmeal too!

        Reply
    2. Jamie

      June 25, 2022 at 9:09 am

      I am trying this recipe this week. Do you think it would work made ahead of time?

      Reply
      • Sophia DeSantis

        June 25, 2022 at 4:44 pm

        Hi Jamie! Yes it would work but the texture will thicken up a bit as it sits. And it will be softer. But it will still taste good!

        Reply
    3. Debbie B

      September 23, 2021 at 7:12 am

      Yum, yum, yum! I am trying to work more veggies in my diet, and this is a tasty way to do that. Quick & easy to make - it is a great comfort food on a chilly, rainy morning! Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        September 23, 2021 at 9:20 pm

        I'm so thrilled you liked it Debbie!! Thank you!!

        Reply
    4. Summer Joy

      October 16, 2020 at 6:16 am

      I woke up this morning craving oatmeal but not sweet oatmeal this really hit the spot. I topped it with hot sauce, avocado and cherry tomatoes, along with the vegan parmesan of course. I see a lot of opportunity for variations with different greens or grains. Thanks for the recipe and the inspiration.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        October 16, 2020 at 5:00 pm

        Hi Summer! I'm so happy you liked it! I too crave savory something and it hits the spot.

        Reply
    5. annabelle

      June 28, 2020 at 1:17 pm

      this was so quick and easy to make and a fun twist on my morning oats. SO GOOD!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        July 01, 2020 at 11:23 am

        I'm so happy you liked it Annabelle! Thanks for the great review!

        Reply
    6. Vin

      June 26, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      I feel like you must have read my mind. I was looking for a savory breakfast but was low on supplies and this popped into my feed. I subbed 2 cloves of chopped fresh garlic because there is no such thing as too much garlic and used apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice. I also added lots of cracked black pepper. At the end I mixed in so delicious cheddar flavored shreds. It was perfect. Will make again.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        July 01, 2020 at 11:22 am

        Thanks for the great review Vin!! So happy you liked it!

        Reply
      • Summer Joy

        January 16, 2021 at 7:24 am

        I definitely agree that there is no such thing as too much garlic.

        Reply
    7. Anne

      May 17, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      As always your recipe is fabulous. It is a cold and rainy weekend morning and this absolutely hit the spot! A definite make again!!!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        May 18, 2020 at 6:54 pm

        So happy you liked it Anne! Thank you so much!

        Reply
    8. Mimi

      May 14, 2020 at 12:48 pm

      So good for brunch! I was out of a lot (corona), including milk. So, I just used veggie broth. I used nutritional yeast instead of the parmesan topping. Added a little a little extra spice because I like a little heat. It was awesome!!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        May 18, 2020 at 6:39 pm

        So happy you liked it Mimi!! Your subs sound great!

        Reply
    9. Ksenya

      April 14, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      Good recipe overall, but definitely very bland. I recommend adding more salt and garlic powder, plus pepper, basil, and oregano. Just dump your whole spice cabinet in.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        April 14, 2020 at 10:58 pm

        Hi Ksenya! You can definitely make it your own, I prefer it simple and don't find it bland at all. Especially with my vegan parmesan!

        Reply
    10. Chrissy

      August 26, 2019 at 8:48 am

      My first reaction was "What? Spinach oats?" and my second was "I need this right now." I can't wait to make this! Vegan parmesan would be a perfect topping.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        August 26, 2019 at 3:48 pm

        Haha! I felt the same...but it really is good!

        Reply
    11. Amy

      January 11, 2019 at 11:55 am

      I REALLY don’t like oatmeal but for some reason the temptation to try this kept popping into my head so I figured what the hey? and gave it a shot. (Yeah, Sophia’s just THAT GOOD.)

      Now I’m not gonna overhype it and say it’s made me a convert or anything, but it’s pretty darn good for oatmeal. The flavor was amazing, and if you like oatmeal already I think you’d love this dish. I personally wouldn’t make it again for myself because I just can’t stand the texture, but I plan to recreate it just subbing polenta for the oats.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        January 13, 2019 at 8:34 pm

        Wow Amy! That's a true testament, LOL. I am a texture person too so I make my oatmeal pretty al dente, but I have had oatmeal before that I can't handle. Ha! Thanks so much for giving it a shot!

        Reply
        • Amy

          January 16, 2019 at 10:45 am

          Lol. Thank you for making it! 💜

        • veggiesdontbite

          January 16, 2019 at 1:08 pm

          Ha! Thanks so much for being here Amy!

    12. JD

      December 06, 2018 at 12:02 am

      I love how fast and easy this is for the morning!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Sophia and I love food. As a food photographer, plant-based recipe creator, and client-centered health coach, I focus on helping people feel empowered instead of overwhelmed when it comes to overall health and wellness. Let me help you eat more plants!

    More about me →

    Click here to subscribe

    Vegan Easter Recipes

    • A tall glass jar in front of another jar both filled with peach colored smoothies topped with shredded carrots, chopped pecans and coconut.
      Healthy Carrot Cake Smoothie (Vegan)
    • Grey bowl filled with shredded coconut covered energy balls.
      No Bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls
    • A kale salad with toppings in a blue bowl on a blue striped towel
      Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
    • Spinach artichoke dip in a white ceramic bowl with toasted bread dipping into it.
      Healthy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Trending Recipes

    • Pile of three pieces of spanakopita on a white plate
      World's Best Greek Vegan Spanakopita
    • Looking for the perfect way to start your day? This vegan oatmeal recipe is the ultimate creamy delicious choice and it comes together in mere minutes! #veganbreakfastrecipes #easymeals
      The Best Creamy Vegan Oatmeal Recipe
    • A collage of a burrito, sandwich, past bowl and taco bowl.
      Easy Vegan Meal Plan For a Week
    • A purple smoothie bowl in a cream bowl topped with fruit, granola and nuts on a dark grey blue towel.
      How to Make a Thick Vegan Smoothie Bowl
    Cookbook cover with a burrito, burger and fries on a white table with a black background

    Amazon | Barnes & Noble

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Logos of websites that listed places this site has been featured

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Click here to subscribe

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Press

    Copyright © 2013-2023 Veggies Don't Bite

    3.2K shares