Perfect Vegan Ricotta Cheese (5 Minutes!)
This vegan ricotta cheese uses firm tofu combined with plain unsweetened vegan yogurt, lemon juice, sea salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to create a creamy and spreadable ricotta alternative. The mixture can be mashed to desired texture and seasoned to suit savory dishes. Its dairy-free ingredients make it an adaptable option for plant-based cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package tofu Extra firm can also be used, firm
- ½ cup vegan yogurt See Notes, plain, unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt See Notes re: sweet recipes, fine, or mineral salt
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
Instructions
- There's no need to press the tofu, but we do want to remove some of the water. Drain the package, and wrap a tea towel or paper towels around the block of tofu. Holding the tofu over the sink lightly squeeze to remove some of the water. Place the tofu in a bowl with the other ingredients.
- Use a fork to mash the tofu and incorporate it with the yogurt and seasonings. Mash until the ricotta is as creamy as you like.
- Taste for seasoning, adding more yogurt, garlic, salt, and herbs, if desired. The tofu ricotta can be used now in a recipe or refrigerated for later use.
Notes
- Use plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt made from oat, coconut, cashew, almond, or soy for best results.
- Adjust seasonings when using this ricotta in sweet recipes: omit garlic powder and Italian seasoning, reduce salt, and increase lemon juice to taste.
- Store the ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; stir or strain any separated liquid before using.
- This ricotta freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 80
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 80kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 355mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Calcium | 164mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.