Best Feta Cheese Substitutes for Salads, Pasta, and Cooking
The best substitute for feta cheese is Goat Cheese (Chevre) at a 1:1 ratio. It works best for salads, pasta, pizza. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Goat Cheese (Chevre)
1:1
Similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Slightly creamier than feta but works well in salads and pastas.
What are the other substitutes for feta cheese?
Ricotta Salata
1:1
A pressed, salted, and aged ricotta that crumbles like feta with a milder, milky flavor.
Cotija
1:1
Mexican crumbling cheese with a salty, tangy flavor. Slightly drier and saltier than feta.
Halloumi
3/4:1
Salty and brined like feta but firmer and doesn't crumble. Best for grilling or pan-frying.
Tofu Feta (Vegan)
1:1
Firm tofu marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. Crumbles and tastes surprisingly similar to feta.
What should you know before substituting feta cheese?
Feta's saltiness varies by brand and origin. Greek feta (sheep's milk) is creamier, while Bulgarian and French feta tend to be milder. Rinse feta briefly under water if it's too salty for your recipe. For baked feta pasta, goat cheese makes the best substitute.
How do you substitute feta cheese in a recipe?
A brined Greek cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat milk. Feta is crumbly, tangy, and salty, essential in Greek salads, spanakopita, and Mediterranean cuisine.
The best substitute for feta cheese depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Goat Cheese (Chevre) (1:1), which works well for salads, pasta, pizza.
If you need a different option, Ricotta Salata (1:1) is another reliable choice. A pressed, salted, and aged ricotta that crumbles like feta with a milder, milky flavor.
When substituting feta cheese, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese (chevre) is the best overall substitute for feta at a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Ricotta salata and cotija are also excellent alternatives.
Is goat cheese a good substitute for feta?
Yes, goat cheese is the closest substitute for feta. Both are tangy and crumbly, though goat cheese is slightly creamier. Use a 1:1 ratio in salads, pasta, and baked dishes.
What is a vegan substitute for feta cheese?
Firm tofu marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and herbs makes an excellent vegan feta substitute. Crumble it into salads and grain bowls. Commercial vegan feta from brands like Violife is also available.