Substitutes for Ricotta Salata
The sheep’s milk cheese ricotta Salata originates from Italy. Regular ricotta is salted, pressed, and dried to make it. This method results in a loose, creamy texture and a thicker, wheel-formed cheese known as Ricotta Salata.
Ricotta Salata is used in many Italian cuisines because it is more convenient than regular ricotta. Because of its texture, you can crumble, grate, and slice it, allowing you to make various recipes. It may also be stored for a longer period than ricotta.
This Italian cheese enhances and distinguishes the flavor of your cuisine. However, Ricotta Salata might be difficult to get outside of Italy. But does this mean you have to forego your favorite Italian dishes?
Not. Other cheeses that may be substituted for Ricotta Cheese include feta cheese, Ricotta Infornata, Pecorino Romano, Mizithra, Cotija, Manouri, cottage cheese, tofu, and cashew cheese.
You can discover more about these substitutions in this post to help you succeed with your favorite dishes without Ricotta Salata.
Ricotta Salata Substitutes
Feta cheese
Feta cheese is the best substitute for Ricotta Salata. It is a Greek white cheese, although it is considerably more widely available than Ricotta Salata. It is manufactured from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk.
Because it has a similar texture to Ricotta Salata, it may be used in almost any recipe in place of it. However, because it has a stronger and saltier flavor, I recommend using half the quantity of salt specified in your recipe.
Ricotta Infornata
Ricotta Infornata is a different kind of ricotta. It does not have the same flavor as Ricotta Salata since it is baked and has brown rind. However, it may be used instead of Ricotta Salata in various recipes.
It works well in cold meals such as vegetable salads and pasta salads. Because it is simple to cut into slices, it is frequently eaten as part of a sandwich or wrap. Another tip: don’t remove the brown rid. It is pretty thin and adds flavor to your food.
Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is another Italian cheese that may be substituted for Ricotta Salata. It is one of Italy’s most expensive and popular cheeses, so you should sample it while you’re there.
It is thicker and more flavorful than Ricotta Salata. It is also quite simple to grate. That is, it is an excellent choice for spaghetti and pizza. You may enjoy it by sprinkling it on top of your food. But it tastes even better when melted.
Mizithra
Mizithra, like feta, is a Greek cheese made from sheep, goats, or both. The new version is available at supermarkets. However, if you’re going to use it to replace Ricotta Salata, I recommend using the salt-dried Mizithra.
It is commonly sprinkled over boiling pasta, but it may also be used as a table cheese or to make a delectable Mizithra salad.
Cotija
Cotija is a cow’s milk cheese from Mexico. It is commonly used to improve the flavor of famous Mexican foods such as tacos.
Fresh and aged Cotija may be found at a variety of shops. Fresh Ricotta Salata is a superior alternative to a Ricotta Salata replacement since it is creamy. You may use it in omelets and on top of any cooked dish.
Manouri
Another Greek cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk is manouri. It’s a semi-soft cheese, which means it can be sliced or crumbled. However, it retains a light and creamy texture, allowing it to be used as a Ricotta Salata alternative in various cuisines.
Ricotta Salata is frequently used in fruits like peach, pineapple, orange, or watermelon dishes. Manouri is an excellent option for Ricotta Salata in this scenario since it pairs nicely with sweet fruits.
Cottage cheese
If you’re seeking a low-fat substitute for Ricotta Salata, consider cottage cheese. Cottage cheese comes in two varieties: small-curd and large-curd. Both are delicious, but small-curd is superior as a Ricotta Salata substitute.
Cottage cheese is excellent in lasagnas, dumplings, and spaghetti, but it may also be used in sweet sweets. It’s a good idea to filter it before using it as a Ricotta Salata substitute to eliminate the extra whey.
Tofu
Tofu is a terrific option if you’re searching for a dairy-free alternative to Ricotta Salata. Because it is created from soy milk, vegetarians and lactose intolerant people may also enjoy it.
However, the type of tofu you use is essential. Silken tofu is the best since it has the closest consistency to ricotta. It’s excellent in Italian meals like ravioli and lasagna.
If the tofu becomes overly liquid, push it to drain the extra water. Remember to season with additional salt and spices because tofu does not have the same robust flavor as Ricotta Salata.
Cashew cheese
Another dairy-free option is to make your own Ricotta Salata from almonds. You can create cheese out of almost any nut, but cashew cheese is the closest to Ricotta Salata in texture.
Soak your cashew nuts and mix them with little water, lemon juice, and salt. To enhance taste, sprinkle with nutritional yeast. Cheese manicotti, filled shells, zucchini spaghetti, and scones pair nicely with cashew cheese.
Related Issues
Is Ricotta Salata synonymous with ricotta?
No, not exactly. Ricotta Salata is a kind of ricotta. Ricotta Salata, on the other hand, can be made from ricotta. As a result, the cheese will be saltier and thicker.
What is the definition of Ricotta Salata?
Ricotta means recooked, while Salata means salted.
What does Ricotta Salata taste like?
Ricotta Salata tastes like ordinary ricotta, but it’s saltier and more powerful.
Can I use Ricotta Affumicata instead of Ricotta Salata?
You certainly can. Ricotta Affumicata (smoked ricotta) is a smoked ricotta. It’s not as well-known as Ricotta Salata, but it works nicely as a replacement in many recipes.