Feta cheese is a tangy, salty cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Its crumbly texture and distinct flavor make it a popular ingredient in salads, dips, pastries, and savory dishes.
If you’re out of feta cheese or need a substitute due to dietary preferences or availability, here are five excellent alternatives that can replicate its flavor, texture, or both.

What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta is a brined, white cheese with a tangy and slightly sharp flavor. Its crumbly yet creamy texture makes it a versatile addition to dishes like Greek salads, spanakopita, and pasta. Feta’s distinct flavor comes from its fermentation process and the milk it’s made from.
Substitutes for Feta Cheese
1. Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese with a crumbly texture and is an excellent substitute for feta. It has a salty flavor that pairs well with many dishes, and its crumbly consistency makes it easy to sprinkle over salads, tacos, or roasted vegetables.
How it compares: Cotija is slightly firmer than feta, but its crumbly texture and salty flavor make it a reliable replacement in many recipes. Aged cotija has a drier, more intense saltiness, while fresh cotija is softer and milder.
How to substitute:
- Use an equal amount of cotija cheese as a substitute for feta.
Best uses: Salads, roasted vegetables, and tacos.
2. Queso Fresco
Queso fresco, which translates to “fresh cheese,” is a mild Mexican cheese that resembles feta in its crumbly texture. It’s made from cow’s milk and has a light, creamy flavor and a moist consistency that makes it easy to crumble over dishes.
How it compares: While less salty than feta, queso fresco offers a similar crumbly texture that works well in recipes where feta is used as a topping or garnish. It’s a great choice for lighter dishes or when you prefer a milder cheese.
How to substitute:
- Use an equal amount of queso fresco as a substitute for feta.
Best uses: Salads, grain bowls, and savory pastries.
3. Ricotta Salata
Ricotta salata is a pressed and aged version of ricotta cheese, making it firmer and saltier than its fresh counterpart. It has a dry, crumbly texture and is ideal for recipes where feta’s texture is important.
Why it works: Ricotta salata’s crumbly texture and mild saltiness make it a versatile alternative to feta. Its firmer structure also makes it easy to slice or crumble for salads or pasta dishes.
How to substitute:
- Use an equal amount of ricotta salata as a substitute for feta.
Best uses: Greek salads, pasta dishes, grain bowls, and baked goods.
4. Halloumi
Halloumi, a brined cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, offers the saltiness of feta and a slight tang. While it doesn’t have feta’s crumbly texture, it can be diced or sliced into small pieces and used in dishes where feta is typically added.
Why it works: Halloumi’s saltiness and tang make it a flavorful substitute for feta. Though firmer and non-crumbly, it complements recipes that rely on feta’s savory and salty profile.
How to substitute:
- Use an equal amount of halloumi, diced or sliced, as a substitute for feta.
Best uses: Salads, pasta, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables.
5. Vegan Feta (Dairy-Free Substitute)
Vegan feta is a plant-based alternative often made from tofu, almonds, or cashews. It is typically marinated in olive oil, herbs, and salt to replicate the flavor of traditional feta. Vegan feta offers a crumbly texture and salty profile, making it an excellent option for those avoiding dairy.
Why it works: Vegan feta provides a texture similar to feta while being entirely dairy-free. The marinade enhances its flavor, making it a great addition to salads and other dishes where feta is typically used.
How to substitute:
- Use an equal amount of vegan feta as a substitute for feta.
Best uses: Salads, grain bowls, vegan pasta dishes, and baked goods.
How to Incorporate These Substitutes
- Match Texture: If the recipe depends on feta’s crumbly consistency, use cotija, queso fresco, ricotta salata, or vegan feta.
- Non-Texture: Use halloumi for recipes that require a salty, slightly tangy cheese that can be diced or sliced into the dish.
- Recipe Adaptation: Choose a substitute based on the dish’s flavor profile. For example, queso fresco works well in lighter dishes, while halloumi or ricotta salata suit heartier meals.
Final Thoughts
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that enhances a variety of dishes, but substitutes like cotija, queso fresco, ricotta salata, halloumi, and vegan feta can effectively replace it in recipes with slight adjustments. These alternatives work well as crumbly toppings, plant-based options, or cheeses that offer similar saltiness and tang.