What Is Ricotta Salata?
A firm, salted, and aged Italian cheese made from the whey of sheep's milk, often pressed and resembling feta.
What Does Ricotta Salata Taste Like?
Ricotta Salata has a salty, milky, tangy, nutty taste with milky, slightly piquant, briny aromas.
- Taste
- Salty, Milky, Tangy, Nutty
- Texture
- Firm, Crumbly, Dry, Slightly granular
- Aroma
- Milky, Slightly piquant, Briny
- Acidity
- Medium
Technical Metrics
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 oz (28g)Chef’s Secret
Its saltiness makes it a great finishing cheese. Grate or crumble directly onto hot pasta dishes to slightly melt and release flavor.
Ricotta Salata Substitutes & Ratios
The best substitute for Ricotta Salata is Feta Cheese, used at a 1:1 ratio. Closest match for crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavor, though feta is typically brinier.
| Substitute | Ratio | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Feta Cheese Best | 1:1 | Closest match for crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavor, though feta is typically brinier. |
| Goat Cheese (Firm/Aged) | 1:1 | For a similar tang and crumbly texture, but with a more pronounced 'goaty' flavor. |
| Cotija Cheese | 1:1 | A Mexican cheese offering a salty, crumbly profile, good for grating over dishes. |
| Parmesan (Grana Padano) | 1:1 (grated) | For a hard, salty, grating cheese with umami, but different texture when crumbled. |
How to Choose & Store Ricotta Salata
- Look for firm, white blocks.
- Avoid anything with mold (unless desired for a specific type) or a strong off-odor.
What Pairs Well With Ricotta Salata?
- Pasta (especially with tomato sauce)
- salads
- roasted vegetables
- olives
- red wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ricotta Salata taste like?
Salty, Milky, Tangy, Nutty Milky, Slightly piquant, Briny
What is a good substitute for Ricotta Salata?
The best substitute is Feta Cheese (1:1). Closest match for crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavor, though feta is typically brinier.
How do you choose and store Ricotta Salata?
Look for firm, white blocks. Avoid anything with mold (unless desired for a specific type) or a strong off-odor.