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

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

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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

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  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

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.

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.

What is dairy free ricotta made of? ›

Vegan Ricotta Cheese made with slivered almonds, vinegar, yogurt, water and salt. So easy and tastes so authentic and like True Food Kitchen's ricotta cheese! It is creamy, smooth, rich, thick and heavenly.

How long does homemade ricotta last? ›

Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.

Why do you add an egg to ricotta cheese? ›

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. One or more eggs are recommended whether you add the other ingredients mentioned here or not.

What is a good substitute for ricotta cream? ›

In This Article:
  1. Consideration Before Using Substitution for Ricotta Cheese.
  2. What Can I Use In Place Of Ricotta Cheese? 15 Amazing Options. Cottage Cheese. Greek Yogurt. Cream Cheese. Sour Cream. Crème Fraiche. Silken or Firm Tofu. Fresh Goat Cheese. Mascarpone. Queso Fresco. Other Italian Cheeses. Feta Cheese. ...
  3. Conclusion.
Jan 4, 2024

Can you eat ricotta like cottage cheese? ›

Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese in many recipes. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste may differ slightly.

Can you eat ricotta cheese like yogurt? ›

It's really, really good! Really, you can use ricotta in many instances in which you might otherwise use yogurt. It's the cheese that can do both!

How bad is ricotta cheese for lactose intolerance? ›

Ricotta is lower in lactose than other types of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella. This means that people with lactose intolerance may be able to enjoy ricotta cheese without experiencing as many symptoms. Ricotta is also a good source of calcium, which is an important nutrient for people with lactose intolerance.

Who makes lactose free ricotta? ›

Galbani ® Lactose Free Ricotta is made with 4 simple ingredients: milk, vinegar, salt, lactase enzyme. Now you can enjoy this ricotta cheese in all your favorite dishes, desserts and snacks while keeping the same great taste and texture.

What is a non-dairy substitute for cottage cheese? ›

Vegan cottage cheese made from tofu is an incredibly versatile ingredient that you can use in a variety of different ways. Here are just a few ideas: Spread it on toast: This is a great alternative to traditional dairy-based cottage cheese.

How to tell if ricotta is bad? ›

To start with, look out for any sort of odor. Ricotta doesn't have much of a smell to it, so if it smells foul or off in any way, then it's time to throw it out. Additionally, look for any change in the ricotta's appearance. If it's growing mold, you'll have to throw the whole thing out.

Can I freeze ricotta? ›

If you have an unopened container of ricotta, you can stick the whole thing right in the freezer, but if the package has been opened, you have to transfer the cheese to a new container. Use a clean, airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and bacterial contamination.

Is homemade ricotta worth it? ›

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.

How to get ricotta cheese smooth? ›

Whipping ricotta in the food processor transforms it into an incredibly smooth, spreadable cheese—a blank canvas to be paired with any number of flavors and ingredients.

Why is my ricotta cheese smooth? ›

The higher fat content means it's exceptionally creamy and will produce a far smoother dip. In contrast, low-fat ricotta can be watery, which may lead to the whipped ricotta splitting or becoming much thinner than intended.

Why is my ricotta runny in my lasagna? ›

An unfortunate soupy texture in lasagna is caused by excess moisture in the ingredients. Thoroughly draining the ricotta cheese you'd use in a classic lasagna recipe or squeezing the cooked spinach you might add to a vegetarian version can definitely help.

Is ricotta cheese supposed to be creamy? ›

While the flavor of ricotta is light, its texture is meant to be thick and creamy.

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