Grain-Free Paleo Oatmeal

This quick paleo oatmeal recipe is one you’ll want to start your mornings with. It’s thick, delicious and full of nutrition.

The best part? It comes together in your blender, and you can keep it in the fridge for a couple of days. All you need to do is warm it up and enjoy!

The first time I tried paleo oatmeal was in 2012 on a trip to Disney staying at one of the resorts, when I looked at the breakfast menu and noticed “paleo oatmeal” listed.

Since I was on a strict gluten-free diet and with very little grains, I said to myself, “heck, I’ll try it!” I was hooked at the first spoonful.

Is Oatmeal Paleo?

Traditional oatmeal is not paleo because oats are a grain, and grains are not part of a paleo diet.

I followed a strict paleo diet for years, and one of the things I missed, especially in winter, was a warm bowl of oats that filled me up and provided a nutritious breakfast.

Back in 2011, paleo breakfasts rarely steered from eggs and fruit, so this oatmeal-like recipe was an instant winner for me. The combination of nuts and seeds keeps me full longer, and it’s also high in fiber and iron, which are great nutritional elements to start your day.

It’s recipes like this that have helped me be successful at eating “paleo” for years. That, and the ability to transform my family’s favorite recipes into meals that we can all eat, even when I’m doing paleo. Yes, really!

I developed the Family KickStart Program because moms shouldn’t have to make two meals a night to please everyone AND maintain their health goals. With Family KickStart you can eat better as a family and enjoy delicious foods that kids love. Learn more here.

Paleo “Oatmeal” Ingredients

Paleo oatmeal ingredients usually contain nuts and seeds as the base plus liquid to provide a smooth texture once blended smooth. In addition, you’ll often find coconut flour, bananas, and eggs; it depends on the recipe. The base for this recipe includes:

• Cashews: have a great texture when blended and delicious flavor.
• Walnuts: super hearty and full of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Chia seeds: a GREAT thickening agent for this oatmeal.
• Flax meal: also helps thicken the mixture and provides an excellent source of fiber.
• Almond milk: or your favorite non-dairy alternative.
• Cinnamon: we use it in regular oatmeal, so why not here?!

As always, you'll find the ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Instant Paleo Oatmeal

Just like traditional oatmeal, paleo oatmeal requires a little cooking -at the very least microwaving.

Can this recipe be considered “instant”? Yes. Unlike other paleo breakfast recipes, this no-oats paleo oatmeal is quick to make. Check out this video showing you how you can make it in the microwave (the instant version) and on the stovetop.

How to Make Paleo Oatmeal

This paleo oatmeal is easy to make in a food processor or a blender (shown below). All you have to do is blend everything to a smooth texture, heat it, and serve.

1. Combine
You add all the ingredients to the blender: cashews, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, almond milk, and cinnamon.

2. Blend
Now, you blend until the mixture is smooth.

3. Let it sit
You want to let the mixture sit in the blender for at least 5 minutes to thicken.

4. Warm it up
You can enjoy this paleo oatmeal cold or warm. To heat it up, pour it on the stovetop and bring it to a simmer, or microwave your bowl for 1 minute, stir, and continue for 30 seconds until hot.

5. Enjoy!
Top with berries or your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Paleo-Approved Oatmeal Alternative

Without the oats as the base, this is a paleo-approved oatmeal alternative that’s perfect for breakfast.

All of the ingredients in this recipe are whole foods and without grains, making it the perfect addition to your breakfast rotation.

Related: Paleo Meal Prep Recipes

Nut-Free Paleo Oatmeal

You can make this paleo oatmeal nut-free by swapping out the 2 cups of nuts in the recipe with seeds. I like the 1 cup sunflower seed + 1 cup pumpkin (pepitas) combination.

Finally, omit the almond milk and use hemp or water as the liquid.

Healthy Things to Add to this Paleo Oatmeal

The best part of your bowl might be the unlimited topping and mix-ins combinations you can add to this paleo oatmeal.

Some of my favorites include:

• Hemp hearts
• Berries
• Sliced bananas
• Nut butter 
• Shredded unsweetened coconut
• Dried fruits
• Cocoa powder

More Oatmeal Alternatives

If you’re looking for more oatmeal alternatives that will add variety to your paleo breakfasts, I’ve got grain-free muffins, pancakes, and hot breakfast recipes for you. 

Make sure to check out:

• Morning Glory Muffins 
• Bacon & Spinach Frittata
• Blueberry Coconut Flour Muffins
• Almond Flour Biscuits
• Sweet Potato Toasts
• Butternut Squash Hash
• Paleo Breakfast Cookie
• Shakshuka
• Grain-Free Paleo Bread
• Blueberry Spinach Smoothie Recipe