Vegan Savory Oatmeal

By Sophia DeSantis, Reviewed by Anjali Shah on February 15, 2025

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This vegan Savory Oatmeal recipe is going to become your new favorite way to start the day. With just seven ingredients and five minutes you’ll have a warm, creamy, and satisfying breakfast! It’s packed with garlicky flavor and tender spinach, making it the perfect meal that keeps you full and energized all morning.

Spoon in a bowl filled with spinach oatmeal on a grey plate

Oatmeal isn’t just for sweet breakfasts, I love making this savory oatmeal when I want something hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor- just like my quinoa oatmeal. Yum!

Table of Contents hide

👩🏽‍🍳 Why I Love This Recipe

🍽 Serving Suggestions

🧊 Storage Directions

❓Recipe FAQs

🥣 More Healthy Oats Recipes

📋 Recipe Card

I’ve always been a fan of a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning, but sometimes I just crave something savory instead of sweet. That’s when I started experimenting with this spinach and garlic-infused version, and it quickly became a go-to meal.

👩🏽‍🍳 Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe so much because it’s the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and nutrition – exactly what I need on busy mornings. There’s nothing better than starting the day with a warm, savory bowl of oatmeal that comes together in minutes but still feels hearty and satisfying.

My kids love it too, which is a huge win! They’re usually all about sweet breakfasts, but the cheesy, savory goodness of this oatmeal has them asking for seconds. I love that I can whip it up quickly before they head out for school, knowing they’ve had a filling, nourishing meal to keep them going. And on mornings when we’re really short on time, I just pop everything into a microwave-safe mug and let it cook while they’re getting ready – easy, mess-free, and delicious.

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy oatmeal, this is it! It’s perfect for busy mornings, a cozy lunch, or even a light dinner. It’s warm, satisfying, and full of wholesome, plant-based goodness. Whether you top it with vegan Parmesan, avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce, this savory oatmeal will quickly become your new favorite.

🥘 Ingredients

These are the few ingredients I use to make my easy vegan savory oatmeal recipe:

Unsweetened Cashew Milk: I love using cashew milk because it makes the oats extra creamy without overpowering the flavor.

Lemon Juice: A little squeeze of lemon brightens up the whole dish and balances the savory flavors.

Fresh Spinach: I pack in loads of spinach for an easy way to add greens to my breakfast. It wilts beautifully into the oats, adding a mild, earthy flavor.

Rolled Oats: These cook up perfectly creamy while still keeping some texture. They’re hearty, satisfying, and full of fiber to keep me full!

Vegan Parmesan: A sprinkle of vegan Parmesan takes this to the next level!

Garlic Powder: This little ingredient packs a big punch, bringing warm, savory depth to the oats.

Sea Salt: A small pinch of salt pulls all the flavors together and enhances the creaminess.

Swaps

Oil-Free Option: I keep this recipe oil-free by sautéing the spinach in veggie broth instead of oil. It still turns out flavorful and tender without the added fat!

Milk Alternatives: I love using unsweetened cashew milk for extra creaminess, but any unsweetened, unflavored dairy-free milk will work. If I want a lighter version, I swap it for veggie broth instead of milk!

🔪 How To Make

Making this healthy plant-based savory oatmeal with spinach is super easy. Only four simple steps and five minutes of time!

Prep the Lemon Milk: I mix the lemon juice and cashew milk in a small bowl and set it aside. Then, I let it sit for a minute.

Sauté the Spinach: I heat a little oil or veggie broth in a pan and toss in the fresh spinach, garlic and salt. Then, I stir it around for a couple of minutes until it wilts down.

Spinach being sautéed with a wooden spoon in a metal pot.

Stir in the Oats and Milk: I pour in the rolled oats and creamy cashew milk, stirring everything together. Then, I let it simmer and thicken.

A wooden spoon mixing spinach and oats in a metal pot.

Finish with Parmesan & Enjoy: I sprinkle on some vegan Parmesan for a delicious, cheesy finish. Then, I grab a spoon and dig in – warm, creamy, and absolutely perfect!

Glass jar on a white napkin filled with savory spinach and oats.

💭 Expert Tips

My #1 Secret Tip for making the best savory oatmeal is to never skip the lemon! The first time I made this recipe, I left it out, thinking it wouldn’t make much of a difference – but wow, was I wrong! The lemon adds this subtle brightness that brings all the flavors to life, making the oats taste fresher, lighter, and more balanced. Now, I always make sure to squeeze in that little bit of lemon juice because it completely transforms the dish and makes every bite pop with flavor.

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

Thicker Oatmeal: If I want my oatmeal extra thick and hearty, I simply cook it a little longer until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Microwave Option: On busy mornings, I make this in the microwave by tossing everything into a microwave-safe mug. I cook it for 2-4 minutes, starting at 2 minutes and adding 30-second increments until it’s just right!

📖 Variations

I love how versatile this savory oatmeal is – it’s my go-to when I want something warm and nutritious.

Avocado & Chili Flakes: I love topping my oats with creamy sliced avocado and a pinch of red pepper flakes for the perfect mix of richness and heat. It’s a simple way to add extra flavor and healthy fats.

Miso & Sesame Oats: Stirring in ½ teaspoon of miso paste gives my oats a deep, savory umami flavor. I finish it off with toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and extra nuttiness.

Mushroom & Herb Oats: I sauté sliced mushrooms with thyme and black pepper before adding the oats for a rich, earthy depth.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This savory oatmeal is so delicious, and I love switching up the toppings depending on my mood! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Smoothie: A creamy, tropical mango protein smoothie is the perfect sweet and refreshing contrast to the warm, savory oats.

Salads: A quick salad like my apples walnuts salad, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy oats.

Coffee or Tea: A honey latte or my delicious honeydew milk tea makes this meal even cozier because let’s be real, oatmeal mornings deserve a warm drink.

🧊 Storage Directions

Meal Prep: I love making this overnight oats style, just prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and in the morning, all I have to do is heat and serve.

Refrigeration: I store my prepared oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This makes breakfast quick and easy for busy mornings.

Freezing: While oatmeal is best fresh, I sometimes freeze it in single servings for convenience. I let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: I warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened. A quick stir, and it’s just as creamy and delicious as when I first made it.

❓Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of oats?

Yes! Rolled oats give the best creamy texture, but you can also use steel-cut oats (just increase the cooking time and liquid) or quick oats for an even faster meal.

Can I add more protein?

Yes! I sometimes stir in tofu, chickpeas, or hemp seeds for extra protein. A soft-boiled egg or crispy tempeh bacon also makes a great topping.

What if I don’t like spinach?

No problem! Sometimes I swap it for kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped zucchini they all blend in beautifully.

Is this savory oatmeal healthy?

Yes! This savory oatmeal is a nutrient-packed, well-balanced meal that’s high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. The rolled oats provide long-lasting energy, while the spinach adds iron and antioxidants, and the cashew milk offers healthy fats and calcium. Unlike sweet oatmeal, this version keeps blood sugar steady and is naturally vegan.

🥣 More Healthy Oats Recipes

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