Easy Dairy Free Ricotta Recipe with Almonds - The Urben Life (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe

This easy dairy free ricotta recipe comes together with almonds, lemon juice, salt, and water. It’s the ultimate creamy vegan cheese substitute, perfect for lasagna, pizza, or any recipe calling for traditional ricotta cheese.

Easy Dairy Free Ricotta Recipe with Almonds - The Urben Life (1)

Whether you're dairy free due to food allergies, intolerances, and lactose intolerance, you'll never buy store-bought ricotta again!

This vegan nut cheese is smooth and fluffy in texture, with a spreadable creamy consistency, and a rich, fresh, and slightly tangy taste.

Why you'll love this recipe

  • Allergy friendly alternative: It's gluten free, soy free, and 100% plant based but tastes pretty dang similar to the real thing.
  • Simple recipe: No strange ingredients or cheesecloth straining required!
  • Great taste: This dairy free ricotta has the same texture and flavor you would expect from ricotta, with its light and nutty flavor.
Easy Dairy Free Ricotta Recipe with Almonds - The Urben Life (2)

Equipment

You'll want to use a high-speed blender or food processor to make this dairy free cheese!

Ingredients

You just need a few simple ingredients for the ultimate ricotta substitute.

  • Almonds: This is the key ingredient! I used whole raw almonds because they're what I typically have on hand and seem to be the cheapest and most readily available at my grocery store. When blanched and blended, they transform into a thick, smooth paste, with a creamy texture.
  • Lemon juice: Lemon adds a subtle tartness that's needed for this dairy free cheese alternative. You can substitute using white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
  • Salt: Don't skimp on the salt! It's a critical ingredient that enhances the flavors.
  • Water: We'll blend everything together with water. For a creamier almond ricotta cheese, you could add a small amount extra water or a splash of your favorite unsweetened and unflavored non-dairy milk.

Flavor boosters

These ingredients aren't required, but I encourage you to play around with flavors once you get the base recipe down!

  • Nutritional yeast: Nooch (nutritional yeast) has a nutty taste that will give your creamy ricotta a mild cheesy flavor.
  • Garlic powder: Fresh garlic or garlic powder is great for adding if you'll be using the ricotta in a savory recipes.
  • Italian seasoning: A generous pinch of Italian seasoning is perfect for adding spices such as oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, and more. For extra flavor, try fresh herbs and onion powder.

Variations

  • Swap the almonds with raw cashews or macadamia nuts, if needed.
  • For a nut free version, use sunflower seeds.
  • To make the dairy free ricotta silkier, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, then blend again.
  • If you're not concerned about the color of your ricotta being perfectly white, you can use whole almonds with their skins and save on prep time.

How to store leftovers

Store leftover ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Easy Dairy Free Ricotta Recipe with Almonds - The Urben Life (3)

What to serve with almond ricotta

This vegan ricotta recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

  • Spread on crackers or toasted baguettes for a light snack.
  • Paired with raw vegetables for a healthy appetizer.
  • Dolloped on dairy free galette, vegan pizza, or vegan lasagna. (Yes, it can be heated in the oven!)
  • On toast with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil.
  • Add to your favorite pasta dishes, pasta sauce, and other savory dishes!

Related recipes

Want more homemade recipes and helpful cooking tips for food allergies and vegans? Check these posts out next:

  • Tofu feta cheese recipe
  • Vegan mayonnaise recipe
  • Vegan buttermilk substitute
  • Dairy free whipped cream
  • How to make oat milk

Easy Dairy Free Ricotta Recipe with Almonds - The Urben Life (4)

Dairy Free Ricotta Recipe

Author: Jenna Urben

This easy dairy free ricotta recipe comes together with almonds, lemon juice, salt, and water. It’s the ultimate creamy vegan cheese substitute, perfect for lasagna, pizza, or any recipe calling for traditional ricotta cheese.

5 from 43 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack, Substitute

Servings 8 servings

Calories 208 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole raw almonds
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Soak the almonds in boiling water for about 10 minutes to loosen the skins. Once soaked, peel the skins off of each almond and place in a blender or food processor.

  • Blend the almonds with lemon juice, salt, and water until everything comes together. Add additional water to achieve desired consistency.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Sometimes I’ll add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and herbs for a flavor booster!

Notes

Makes about 2 cups, about 8 ¼ cup servings. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 292mgPotassium: 266mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

Easy Dairy Free Ricotta Recipe with Almonds - The Urben Life (5)

More Easy Vegan Recipes

  • Vegan Christmas Desserts
  • Dairy Free and Egg Free Cornbread
  • Kale Crunch Salad
  • Dairy Free Pesto

About Jenna Urben

Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Nancy Parente

    Could this ricotta be used in an Italian Ricotta pie recipe? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Jenna Urben

      Hi Nancy, I've never tried an Italian Ricotta Pie but it should work! Let me know if you have success.

      Reply

  2. Veggie girl

    Would it work to substitute vinegar or citric acid for the lemon? I have a citrus allergy.

    Reply

    • Jenna Urben

      Yes, I would suggest substituting with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar 🙂 Enjoy, let me know what you think!

      Reply

Easy Dairy Free Ricotta Recipe with Almonds - The Urben Life (2024)

FAQs

What does almond milk ricotta taste like? ›

Taste. Similar to a dairy ricotta, Kite Hill's version is lightly sweet, a tad tangy and bears a delicate nuttiness owing to its almond milk base.

Why is my ricotta not creamy? ›

Whole Milk (not ultra pasteurized!): I recommend whole cow's milk for creamy flavor and texture. Alternatively, 2% or 1% milk can be used; but the final result will not be as creamy. Ultra pasteurized milk does not work for homemade ricotta. It won't curdle properly.

Who makes dairy free ricotta cheese? ›

Plant Based Artisanal Cheese - Kite Hill Dairy Free Products.

What is vegan ricotta made of? ›

In general, there are two main methods for making vegan ricotta: one with soy milk and the other with blended nuts and tofu. They are both delicious. However, we recommend you try the soy milk method, which yields ricotta that is ridiculously similar to real Italian ricotta.

Is almond milk ricotta good? ›

In conclusion, almond ricotta is a fantastic alternative to traditional dairy-based ricotta. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor make it a versatile ingredient, perfect for a variety of dishes. Give it a try, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how delicious and nutritious it can be.

Should I mix egg with ricotta? ›

For extra creamy ricotta, add in an extra egg, a handful of grated parmesan, and a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella. Eggs help prevent the ricotta from drying out and serve to bind the ricotta so it doesn't become runny.

Why is my ricotta turning pink? ›

Mold on ricotta can be green, blue, or soft pink. If the ricotta has also turned a yellowish color (instead of its regular creamy white), it's another sign of spoilage. You can also apply the sniff test to ricotta. Ricotta that's fine to eat will either have no odor at all, or it might have a regular milky smell.

Is it worth making your own ricotta? ›

Why make homemade ricotta? Because you can. And because the results are so much better than most of the packaged stuff you can buy, especially at the supermarket. Making it yourself is also less expensive than buying fresh ricotta at a fancy gourmet market.

What is the best cheese for dairy-free people? ›

10 Best Dairy-Free Cheeses That Taste Like the Real Thing
  • Miyoko's Smoked English Farmhouse.
  • House Party Cheesy Dip.
  • Treeline Cream Cheese.
  • Parmela Shreds.
  • Miyoko's Mozzarella.
  • Violife cheeeeeese.
  • Follow Your Heart Slices.
  • Kite Hill Ricotta.
Feb 21, 2024

Is lactose free the same as dairy-free? ›

Lactose-free is not the same as dairy-free. The main difference between the two is that lactose-free products can be made from real dairy milk while dairy-free products are made from plant sources such as nuts and grains. While all dairy-free products are lactose-free, not all lactose-free products are dairy-free.

What cottage cheese is dairy-free? ›

Good Culture cottage cheese is packed with protein and contains no added sugar so you can feel good about a nutritious snack. Made with only simple ingredients, there are no gums, thickeners, carrageenan-- no artificial anything AND it's lactose free.

What is a healthy substitute for ricotta cheese? ›

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt makes a suitable ricotta cheese alternative for dips, spreads, and some desserts. It has a similar tangy flavor but is lower in fat and contains more protein. Greek yogurt can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.

What is a good substitute for ricotta cheese in lasagna? ›

What can I use in place of ricotta cheese in lasagna? Instead of ricotta cheese, use cottage cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheese, or mascarpone.

What animal milk is ricotta? ›

Ricotta can technically be made from the milk of cows, sheep, goats, or water buffalo, but the ricotta that we consume most frequently—the stuff you can buy at almost every grocery store—is made from the milk of a cow. But historically, that cows milk was used for something else before it was used to make ricotta.

What does ricotta cheese taste similar to? ›

Cottage cheese: As far as ricotta substitutes go, light and mild cottage cheese is your best bet. In fact, some people prefer to use cottage cheese because it has a similar flavor and fewer calories.

How would you describe the taste of ricotta? ›

Ricotta is a smooth cheese with a creamy mild taste and a thick texture. Its light flavour and low salt content make it perfect for using in sweet or savoury dishes. It can also be air-cured or dried in the oven to make it into a harder, sharp-tasting cheese that can be grated.

Does ricotta taste like anything? ›

What Does Ricotta Cheese Taste Like? Most ricotta cheese is milky and mild-tasting, with a soft and grainy texture. Another variation, called ricotta salata, is very salty and crumbly, similar to feta cheese.

Does ricotta cheese taste like sour cream? ›

Ricotta. Ricotta is a cheese with a similar thickness and mild flavor that can work well in the place of sour cream. If you're cooking, the fine texture of ricotta will melt right into a sauce or batter. It is not fermented like sour cream and won't lend quite the same subtle tanginess.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5708

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.