You won't believe how incredible this oatless zucchini "oatmeal" tastes! It's packed full of high-fiber and high-protein (thanks to flax seeds and protein powder) and is the best way to start your day.
Healthy Protein "Oatmeal"
Did you know that you can make a rich, creamy, and flavorful breakfast recipe that resembles oatmeal - without the oats? I've heard this called a few different things before, including zoatmeal (zucchini + oatmeal...clever!).
This recipe is super easy and full of incredible ingredients that are going to nourish and care for your body.
The zucchini is full of vitamin C and gut-healthy fiber. Banana is terrific for your muscles and heart since it is full of potassium.
Egg whites are the lean part of the egg, without the saturated fat from the yolks. Almond milk adds more than just flavor, and it's a fantastic source of calcium too.
Flaxseeds provide lots of healthy fats for your brain and even down to your cells. The protein powder fortifies the recipe, giving your body a natural source of energy.
Finally, cinnamon does more than just add flavor. For example, did you know that it has anti-inflammatory properties? People use it in holistic medicine - it benefits your entire body.
Get ready because you are about to discover how delicious it tastes to eat your vegetables for breakfast!
Ingredients Needed
The secret to making oatless oatmeal taste so delicious is to use fresh ingredients and the perfect spices. Here's what I used in this creamy recipe.
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash: I used 85 grams of either of these veggies. Finely shred it with the finest grating you have.
- Banana: Use 50 grams of a very ripe banana. This comes out to be about half of a banana.
- Liquid Egg Whites: You need ½ a cup of egg whites. It's easiest to buy a carton and pour from there.
- Almond Milk: This recipe calls for ½ a cup of almond milk. The best kind is plain and unsweetened. If you use vanilla, it will compete with the flavor in the protein powder.
- Flaxseed: You only need one tablespoon of ground flaxseed in this oatmeal.
- Protein Powder: You need 1 tablespoon of vanilla protein powder. Any kind of protein powder works, so use your favorite kind.
- Cinnamon: You only need about ½ a teaspoon. You can add more if you want it to have a bolder flavor!
Kitchen Tools Required
You probably already have all the kitchen tools you will need to make this recipe. Here is what I used when I made it.
- Grater or Mandolin Shredder or Food Processor
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Kitchen Scale
You will need ½ cup, 1 tablespoon, ½ teaspoon for measuring.
How To Make Oatless Zucchini Oatmeal With Protein
This recipe is so easy to make. First, mix together the zucchini and mashed banana in a small bowl and then set it aside.
Next, heat the egg whites and almond milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk this mixture continuously.
After a minute, add in the flaxseed and protein powder, and whisk them together. Let it all cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until it thickens up.
Next, add in the zucchini and banana mixture, stirring continuously. Let it cook another 2-3 minutes or until the mixture really has gotten thick. Add in cinnamon and continue to stir.
Finally, turn off the heat and serve this zucchini oatmeal with the toppings of your choice!
Step-by-step Instructions on how to make Oatless Zucchini Oatmeal
Recipe Tips
Below are some common oatless oatmeal questions. Don't see the answer you're looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!
What is the best way to shred zucchini finely?
There are four ways to shred zucchini. You can use a:
- box grater
- food processor
- spiralizer
- peeler
The box grater or food processor is the best way to shred the zucchini for this recipe!
If you use a spiralizer or peeler, you will have to chop up the long tendrils into tiny pieces. This creates an unnecessary second step.
Do you peel zucchini or yellow squash before shredding it?
No, you do not have to peel zucchini or yellow squash before finely shredding it. In fact, there is a lot of heart-healthy fiber in the zucchini skin. The skin will soften and become incredibly soft and delicious as it cooks.
How do you ripen a banana faster?
Since this recipe calls for a very ripe banana (because it mashes up better), you might want to ripen your fruit quicker. The best way to do this is to place the bananas in a brown paper bag. Any size will work - even one that is as large as a grocery bag or as small as a lunch bag.
This traps the ethene gas with the banana, which helps it really speed up the ripening process.
How many eggs are in ½ a cup of egg whites?
This will vary depending on the size of the eggs you are using. For example, there are approximately 4-5 egg whites in half a cup.
Since separating eggs is so tedious, I prefer to buy egg whites in a container. So it's super easy just to measure out the exact amount I need!
What are the best toppings for this zoatmeal?
You can add your favorite types of fruit to this oatless oatmeal. Try adding either blueberries, coconut, nuts, nut butter, or even strawberries on top. The options are endless - stopped only by your imagination!
If you add strawberries, try drizzling some chocolate syrup on top.
Steer clear of adding too much sugar or sweeteners. I prefer to sweeten it naturally with fruit. It's so much healthier for you that way.
Storing leftovers
This zucchini oatmeal tastes best when it is fresh. All the textures will be perfectly combined together. However, I do not suggest trying to store leftovers for longer than a day or two.
If you want, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Then, reheat the leftovers in a saucepan. It should all soften and mix together just like new!
Add a little more almond milk if it thickens after being in the refrigerator.
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!
Here are some more of my favorite oatmeal dishes. Enjoy!
- Healthy Berry Baked Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
- Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
- Creamy Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Photos by Moriah Sawtelle and recipe by Erin Antoniak.
Protein Oatless Oatmeal
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together zucchini and mashed banana. Set aside.
- In a small sauce pan, heat egg whites and almond milk over medium heat. Whisk continuously.
- After a minute, add in flax seed and protein powder. Whisk together. Let cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until thickens up.
- Add in zucchini and banana mixture, stirring continuously. Let cook another 2-3 minutes or until mixture really has gotten thick. Add in cinnamon and continue to stir.
- Turn off heat and serve with toppings of choice! Blueberries, coconut, nuts, nut butter, other fruit!
Kristin C Gaughan says
These are so good! So fluffy and creamy and delicious and kept me full for way longer than my normal breakfasts. Will be making again and again and again 😀
Erin says
Hi Kristin, so happy you loved it! 🙂
Courtney says
Hi! I am paleo so this sounds super yummy with no oats however I am allergic to eggs. Can you recommend anything to replace the egg whites I can try? Thank you!
Erin says
Hi Courtney, ahhhh! I'm sorry, I think you will need the egg whites. Sorry!! You can try another sub if you want to, but I am not confident it would come out right.
Becca says
I'm a make the breakfast at the beginning of the week and roll out bed and eat it out type of person. So I'm never sure what to make myself on weekends to treat myself because I also don't really like to make a whole production.
Let me tell ya. This recipe is magnificent. It's my go to, I have a little extra time in the morning breakfast and I want to enjoy it. I also love that it doesnt involve oats because sometimes we just don't want to eat them!!!
To add to the extra layer of laziness, I pureed and froze the zucchini in an ice tray and then microwaved the cubes when I was ready (it was about three cubes). I'll also just pull out frozen banana slices. I think it works out good.
My favorite toppings are blueberries (but any berry will do), bananas (if I have extra carbs for the day or if I want carbs for my workout) pb fit powder, chia seeds, walnuts, I can imagine pecans would be chefs kiss, and I have some extra fats for the day I add a drizzle of peanut butter.
Thank you so much Erin, I've been making this at least once a week and keep the pantry/fridge stocked with the ingredients so I can make it whenever I want.
*Lol side note don't leave the pot unattended for two long at a high eat - medium heat setting is CRUICAL otherwise the egg whites will COOK. Learn from my mistakes.
Erin says
Hi Becca, so happy you loved it!! Thank you so much for sharing and your support! 🙂
Sharon Bussone says
I absolutely loved this, sooo good and actually loved it more the next day.🙂
Erin says
Hi Sharon, so happy you loved it!!
Ashley says
So yummy! The crazy combo of everything works well together! It is a little more time consuming than quickly making oatmeal, but I made it on Saturday and saved some to see how it would stand up to be eaten the next day. I just heated it up in the microwave for a bit and it was perfect! Not sure how long it would last for meal prep but it at least stands up well eaten the next day. Will definitely be making again!
Erin says
Hi Ashley, so happy you loved it so much and great idea!
Amanda says
Similar to most people...zucchini, egg whites, and warm protein powder all made me a bit nervous but wow...the whites make the "oatmeal" extremely fluffy. This is absolutely going to be my new go-to. Starting my day with vegetables, protein, and fresh fruit as a topping...you can't beat this!
Erin says
Hi Amanda, so glad you loved it!! 🙂
Kayla Aronson says
So good!! A new favorite weekend breakfast - definitely want to figure out how to meal prep it for the week!
Erin says
Hi Kayla, so glad you loved it!!
Raleigh says
I was a little skeptical about this at first but it was seriously so good!! I’m amazed at how thick it turned out to be. I added a drizzle of maple syrup and some powdered pb. I will definitely be making this again!
Erin says
Hi Raleigh, so happy you loved it so much! 🙂
Natalie says
I was a little hesitant about this recipe, but I just made it and it is so good!!
Erin says
Hi Natalie, so glad you loved it!!
Tamar says
“Oatless” oatmeal?! I was pretty skeptical about how this would turn out, but wow! So delicious! Thickened up perfectly, just enough sweetness from banana, plus I get a serving of veggies for breakfast and a bunch of protein. Amazing! Can’t wait to try it again with different toppings.
Erin says
Hi Tamar, so happy you loved it!! 🙂
amber q says
been trying to find a recipe like this forevs and i’m so happy about this one!! such a creative and easy recipe especially for meal prep. love it
Erin says
Hi Amber, so happy you enjoyed it!
Nicole says
This so so good! I have no idea how Erin created/thought of this combo but it works! Love topping with some Pb & fresh raspberries 🙂
Erin says
Hi Nicole, thanks so much and glad you loved it!!
Megan says
I am excited to make this! I don’t have a food scale; what is the estimated zucchini amount in cups?
Erin says
Hi Megan, you can use just about half a small zucchini. It doesn't have to be exact!
Sarah says
This was delicious! I love how high in protein it is, and I'll definitely be making it again. I used chia seeds instead of flaxseeds to thicken it up and it worked well!
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so glad you liked it and that sounds like a great sub!
Molly says
Mind blown! This is everything I want in a breakfast - slightly sweet, packed full of veggies and high in protein. I actually didn't have zucchini so I subbed the same amount of grated carrots and adjusted the seasonings & toppings for a carrot cake version.
Erin says
Hi Molly, so happy you loved it and made it your own!!