Out of Feta cheese, one case
Feta cheese substitutes for pasta
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Ricotta salata
Same amount as the feta cheese
The best feta cheese substitutes for pasta are ricotta salata, goat cheese, or queso fresco. Use a 1:1 ratio - ricotta salata for similar crumbly texture, goat cheese for creaminess, or queso fresco for mild flavor. All work well in pasta salads, baked pasta, and Mediterranean pasta dishes.
- Best for —
- pasta salad
One casethe full feta cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of feta cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ricotta salatapasta salad | Same amount |
| 2 | Goat cheesepasta salad | Same amount |
| 3 | Queso frescopasta salad | Same amount |
| 4 | Parmesanpasta salad | Same amount |
| 5 | Cotija cheesepasta salad | Same amount |
Ricotta salata
mild, slightly salty
Aged ricotta with firm, crumbly texture good for pasta
- Best for
- pasta salad, baked pasta, mediterranean pasta, grain bowls
- Texture
- firm, crumbly
Mild flavor that won't overpower pasta sauces.
Goat cheese
tangy, slightly sweet
Creamy, tangy cheese that adds richness to pasta dishes
- Best for
- pasta salad, baked pasta, creamy pasta, mediterranean pasta
- Texture
- creamy, soft
Slightly creamier than feta but similar tangy flavor.
Queso fresco
mild, slightly salty
Mexican fresh cheese with mild flavor and crumbly texture
- Best for
- pasta salad, mexican-inspired pasta, grain bowls, toppings
- Texture
- soft, crumbly
Milder than feta but provides similar textural contrast.
Parmesan
salty, nutty, umami
Hard Italian cheese that adds salty, umami flavor
- Best for
- pasta salad, baked pasta, italian pasta, toppings
- Texture
- hard, granular
Very different texture but adds salty, umami depth.
Cotija cheese
salty, tangy
Mexican aged cheese with salty, crumbly texture
- Best for
- pasta salad, mediterranean pasta, grain bowls, toppings
- Texture
- hard, crumbly
Saltier than feta but similar crumbly texture.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting feta cheese in pasta, consider the specific type of pasta dish you're making. Pasta salads work best with ricotta salata or queso fresco, while baked pasta can handle creamier options like goat cheese. The key is maintaining the salty, tangy flavor profile that complements the pasta and sauce.
Tips for substituting feta cheese
8 tips- For pasta salad, ricotta salata works best as it maintains its texture and won't make the dish too heavy
- In baked pasta dishes, goat cheese melts well and provides similar creaminess to feta
- For Mediterranean pasta, look for cheeses with similar briny, tangy characteristics
- When using goat cheese in pasta, consider crumbling it over the dish just before serving
- For a more authentic Greek flavor, try to find cheeses with similar salt content to feta
- Store pasta cheeses in the refrigerator and add them just before serving for best texture
- Consider the sauce when choosing a substitute - creamy sauces pair well with crumbly cheeses
- For vegan options, try tofu feta or cashew-based feta alternatives
Notes on feta cheese
- Olives and capers for salty, briny flavor
- Sun-dried tomatoes for umami and texture
- Artichoke hearts for tangy, briny notes
- Pickled vegetables for acidity and crunch
- Nuts like walnuts or almonds for texture and protein
Questions
5 questionsWhat is the best substitute for feta cheese in pasta?
Ricotta salata is the best substitute for feta cheese in pasta because it has a similar crumbly texture and mild flavor that won't overpower the pasta sauce.
Can I use goat cheese instead of feta in pasta?
Yes, goat cheese works well in pasta as a feta substitute. It provides similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, though it may not crumble as easily as feta.
What cheese can I substitute for feta in pasta salad?
You can substitute ricotta salata, queso fresco, cotija cheese, or even parmesan for feta in pasta salad. Each offers different flavor profiles but similar salty, tangy characteristics.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for feta cheese in pasta?
Yes, you can use tofu feta (marinated tofu), cashew-based feta, or even olives and capers for a salty, briny flavor in pasta dishes.
What's the difference between feta and ricotta salata in pasta?
Feta is typically made from sheep's milk and has a briny, salty flavor with crumbly texture. Ricotta salata is aged ricotta with a milder flavor but similar crumbly texture, making it good for pasta dishes.