Ricotta salata is a firm, salty Italian semi-hard cheese that adds flavor and texture to recipes. Its crumbly consistency and savory, tangy notes make it a loved ingredient by many, and it’s used in many Mediterranean dishes.
If you can’t find ricotta salata or prefer an alternative, there are several substitutes that can mimic its flavor and texture. Below, you will find the best substitutes, along with tips for incorporating them into your cooking.

What Is Ricotta Salata?
Ricotta salata is an aged, pressed version of fresh ricotta cheese and is traditionally made from sheep’s milk. It’s salted and aged for about three months, which helps to create a firm texture and salty flavor. Unlike fresh ricotta, which is creamy and spreadable, ricotta salata is dry, crumbly, and perfect for crumbling or slicing.
This cheese is often used as a finishing touch in Mediterranean-inspired dishes like fresh vegetables, pasta, or savory baked goods.
5 Substitutes for Ricotta Salata
1. Sheep’s Milk Feta Cheese
Sheep’s milk feta is one of the best substitutes for ricotta salata due to its salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture. While feta is slightly creamier and softer, it can replicate the flavor profile of ricotta salata in many dishes.
Sheep’s milk feta tends to have a richer, more tangy that is a closer match to ricotta salata then cow’s milk feta.
Use the same quantity of sheep’s milk feta as ricotta salata. It’s great for crumbling over salads, mixing into grain bowls, or pairing with roasted vegetables.
2. Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that offers a salty, slightly tangy flavor and a crumbly texture similar to ricotta salata. It’s a milder option, but it still works incredibly well.
Cotija is firm and dry, making it ideal for crumbling or sprinkling. It doesn’t melt, so it’s best used as a topping rather than in baked or creamy dishes. Use an equal amount of Cotija as a substitute for ricotta salata. You’ll find Cotija in most grocery stores, and it’s typically an affordable choice.
3. Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a fresh Mexican cheese with a light, clean flavor and a crumbly texture. It’s milder and less salty than ricotta salata, so you may need to adjust the salt in your dish to compensate.
This cheese works well as a topping for salads, soups, and vegetables. Its texture is slightly softer than ricotta salata, but it can still replicate the crumbly element in your recipes. Use the same quantity of queso fresco as ricotta salata in your dish.
Queso fresco is widely available and can be found in well-stocked grocery stores.
4. Vegan Feta
Vegan feta is a plant-based alternative that offers a similar salty, tangy flavor to ricotta salata. Most vegan feta products are made from almond, cashew, or coconut bases, instead of animal milk.
Vegan feta tends to have a slightly creamier consistency than ricotta salata, but its flavor is robust enough to mimic it. Many brands are widely available in grocery stores or health food stores.
Use the same quantity of vegan feta as ricotta salata. It’s perfect for crumbling over fresh greens, tossing into warm grains, or as a topping for roasted vegetables. Vegan feta provides a great option for plant-based eaters.
5. Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is a sharp, salty, and nutty Italian cheese that works well as a substitute for ricotta salata. It’s firmer and drier, which makes it perfect for grating or shaving over dishes. While its flavor is more intense, it complements similar types of recipes.
Use slightly less Pecorino Romano than ricotta salata, as its flavor is stronger. It’s ideal for grating over pasta, risottos, and soups, or using as a garnish for roasted vegetables.
Pecorino Romano is widely available and can be found in well-stocked grocery stores or Italian specialty stores.
How to Incorporate These Substitutes
- Salads: Crumble sheep’s milk feta, Cotija, queso fresco, or vegan feta over fresh greens or grain bowls.
- Pasta and risotto: Grate Pecorino Romano for a salty, nutty topping.
- Savory bakes: Use vegan feta, sheep’s milk feta or Pecorino Romano in casseroles or pies.
- Roasted vegetables: Sprinkle Cotija or queso fresco over vegetables for added flavor.
Conclusion
Ricotta salata is a distinctive cheese, but substitutes like sheep’s milk feta, Cotija, queso fresco, vegan feta, and Pecorino Romano can deliver similar flavors and textures.
Each option brings its own strengths to your recipes, from the tanginess of feta to the mild versatility of paneer. Choose the substitute that best matches your dish, and enjoy the variety these alternatives bring to your cooking.