Boost your health with one of my 4 Nutritious Oatmeal Toppings Combinations. These variations take less than 5 minutes to prepare and are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, the ingredients are all pantry-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free, with a nut-free option.
Oatmeal is a satisfying and healthy breakfast but it can become boring. Add a delicious and nutritious topping that takes your everyday oatmeal to a new level, and it will become the breakfast you look forward to every morning. Try adding one to my High-Protein Savory Oatmeal recipe.
I created four unique oatmeal topping combinations that are meal-prep friendly so you can enjoy a different variation most days of the week. Each combination was carefully crafted to include longevity spices, healthy fats, and a hint of natural sweetness.
These Oatmeal Toppings were inspired by my Overnight Oat Groats, and Chia Seed Jam, another perfect oats topper! I also have a Homemade Protein Powder recipe you might enjoy.
Jump to:
👩🏼🌾 Ingredients
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Barberries - have one of the highest antioxidant levels of any dried fruit, with numerous health benefits including being cardioprotective.
- Dates
- Cocoa Powder - may increase skin thickness and elasticity and decrease wrinkle severity
- Dates
- Orange zest
- Turmeric
- Black pepper
- Ground ginger
- Cloves
- Cinnamon - Ceylon cinnamon is safe and one of the cheapest common food sources of antioxidants. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, a compound that may be toxic to the liver at high doses.
- Tahini for serving (optional)
See the recipe card for quantities.
🫙 Substitutions
- Nut-free - use sunflower and pumpkin seeds instead
- Cocoa powder - omit as desired or substitute with carob powder
- Spices - substitute with spices you have on hand
- Ground cloves - substitute with allspice or omit as needed
- Barberries - substitute with dried goji berries
- Tahini - adds a creamy texture for serving but it is optional
For more healthy breakfast recipes, visit my Vegan Breakfast Recipes page.
📖 How to Healthy Oatmeal Topping Variations
For the full recipe with quantities, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.
Step 1. Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes.
Step 2. Transfer the dates and nuts or seeds to the cutting board, Chop using a sharp chef’s knife until finely chopped.
Step 3. Prepare the four toppings at once using the same cutting board.
Step 4. Transfer to a storage container. Add the spices and mix well to combine. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 7 days. Add the tahini and non-dairy milk for serving, if using.
✔️ Expert Tips
- When to add oatmeal toppers: For overnight oats, add the oatmeal topping combination directly to the overnight oats along with the tahini in the same container. For warm oats, add the oatmeal topping for serving. Do not heat the topping at high temperatures or the health benefits of topping may be diminished. Stir in the tahini at the same time.
- Storage: Refrigerate healthy oatmeal topping combinations in four airtight containers for up to 7 days.
🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
Nuts do NOT need to be soaked to optimize health benefits. There is no evidence to support this claim.
Yes! These topping combinations are perfect for meal prep. They last up to seven days in the refrigerator.
Serve these oatmeal topping variations with all varieties of oatmeal–oat groats, steel-cut oats, or old-fashioned rolled oats.
🫙 Related Recipes
🥣 Pairing
👩🏽🍳 Made This Recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Healthy Oatmeal Toppings
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Ingredients
Pistachio Date Orange:
- 1 Medjool date soaked for 10 minutes in warm water, and pitted
- 1 ½ tablespoons raw pistachios
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
Walnut Date Cinnamon:
- 1 Medjool date soaked for 10 minutes in warm water, and pitted
- 2 tablespoons raw walnut pieces
- 1 tablespoon barberries
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cloves
Spiced Seed Crunch:
- 1 Medjool date soaked for 10 minutes in warm water, and pitted
- 1 tablespoon raw sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cloves
Indian-Spiced Cashew Crunch
- 1 Medjool date soaked for 10 minutes in warm water, and pitted
- 2 tablespoons raw cashews
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Chop: Transfer the date and nuts or seeds to the cutting board, Chop using a sharp chef’s knife until finely chopped.
- Combine: Transfer to a storage container and add the spices. Mix to combine.
- Storage: Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
- For serving: Add the tahini and non-dairy milk for serving, if using.
Notes
- Nuts do NOT need to be soaked to optimize health benefits. There is no evidence to support this claim.
- The nutrition information is for the Walnut Date Topping.
- See the blog post for detailed storage tips and substitutions.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
Val Lamb says
I made the spiced seed crunch one and had with my breakfast oats today. Oh my goodness! It was so good and added so much flavour.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Awww so happy to hear! Thank you for commenting.
Jitu says
Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes.
You are an inspiration!!
Can one use instant pot for cooking Oat groats ? Do you loose any nutritional value from pressure cooking?
Thanks
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
No it's a great way to cook them. Go ahead!