Savory Vegan Oatmeal – Recipes from the Vegetable Kingdom

If you’re new to savory oatmeal, prepare to be impressed. This straightforward yet incredibly tasty dish offers a refreshing take on a filling vegan and gluten-free meal that is suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s easily adaptable; feel free to include your choice of vegetables or vegan cheeses. You can also prepare it in advance so that your savory oatmeal is ready to enjoy as soon as morning arrives, making it the ideal savory vegan breakfast.
If you enjoy this recipe for savory vegan oatmeal, you might also like Banana Baked Oatmeal, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bake, and Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Vegan Oatmeal Recipe
- Easy to make: No specialized equipment needed! You only need a pot and a stovetop to whip up this savory oatmeal.
- A refreshing twist: Ditch the usual toppings such as brown sugar and fruits, and instead, top your vegan oats with vegetables and savory options.
- Versatile: Customize this recipe with whatever ingredients you have on hand. The combinations are limitless!
Ingredients
- Olive oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is excellent for sautéing the veggies and garlic, but any oil will suffice to soften them.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves impart a rich flavor; adjust the amount according to your taste. If fresh garlic isn’t available, use garlic powder, about ⅛ teaspoon per clove.
- Spinach: Spinach is a fantastic leafy green choice, but you can also use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula if you prefer.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sautéed cherry tomatoes contribute colorful and juicy textures. If unavailable, substitute with larger tomatoes cut into cubes.
- Oats: I used old-fashioned oats, which provide the best texture. Instant or steel-cut oats can be used as well, but you’ll need to adjust the broth accordingly.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor while providing B vitamins. It’s an essential ingredient in vegan kitchens.
- Vegetable broth: I prefer low-sodium vegetable broth for simmering the oats to enhance the flavor, but water can be used in its place.
- Toppings: Recommended toppings include avocado, spring onions, vegan feta, and a drizzle of chili oil. Feel free to add salsa, fresh herbs, or any leftover veggies.
Refer to the recipe card below for precise measurements and nutritional information.
Variations
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle in adobo sauce. Red chili flakes can add a kick as well.
- Increase savoriness: Incorporate a little miso paste into the oatmeal for deeper flavor, whisking well to dissolve.
- Add texture: Top with chopped nuts or seeds. Options like almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds can boost texture and flavor.
- Boost protein: For additional protein content, garnish your savory vegan oatmeal with beans, lentils, or tofu.
How to Make Savory Vegan Oatmeal
Get your frying pan ready and preheat your stove!

Step 1: Sauté the garlic and veggies. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted before adding the other ingredients.

Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients. Include the cherry tomatoes, oats, nutritional yeast, and broth.

Step 3: Simmer the oats. Allow the mixture to cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. Transfer the oats to a bowl, add your desired toppings, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This savory vegan oatmeal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack. Here are some pairing ideas for different mealtimes.
Expert Tips
- Monitor the pot: Keep an eye on the oats as they cook to ensure they remain moist and fluffy. Overcooking can cause them to dry out and stick to the pot.
- For a soupier oatmeal: Add more vegetable broth if you prefer your oats to be less thick.
- Leftover storage: Store any remaining oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Note that the texture may change as it absorbs moisture. If it’s too thick, add broth or water. Leftovers can also be frozen, though reheating may alter the texture.
Recipe FAQs
I recommend using old-fashioned oats for the best texture, as they take a reasonable amount of cooking time. Instant oats cook faster, so you’ll need about 1 cup of broth. Steel-cut oats also work, but require a longer cooking time and more broth—approximately 2 cups.
Yes, you can use plant-based milk to cook the oats, resulting in a creamier texture. Ensure you select plain, unsweetened milk for the best flavor.

Vegan Savory Oats
This Savory Vegan Oatmeal features garlic, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Finished with avocado, vegan feta, and chili oil, it’s a fresh spin on a timeless classic.
Ingredients
- 1 drizzle olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 1 handful chopped cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup oats
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 ½ cup vegetable broth
Toppings
- avocado
- spring onion
- vegan feta
- chili oil
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Mince the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Next, add the spinach and cook for a few minutes. Then incorporate the cherry tomatoes, oats, nutritional yeast, and broth.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until most of the liquid has absorbed. Move the oats to a bowl, customize with your toppings, and savor!
Notes
For extra liquid in your dish, feel free to add more vegetable broth.
Store any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for 2-3 days. While the texture may change, add broth or water if it becomes too thick. You can also freeze leftovers, but the texture may not be as appealing once reheated.
Nutrition
Calories: 387kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
Sodium: 1469mg
Potassium: 968mg
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 6742IU
Vitamin C: 36mg
Calcium: 100mg
Iron: 5mg