Here are 20 of the best substitutes for feta cheese (with pictures!). Love the salty, crumbly goodness of feta but can’t use it right now? Whether you need a feta alternative for pasta, salad, quiche, or even that viral whipped feta dip, we have got a whole lot of options that can replace feta.
Jump to:
- WHAT IS FETA?
- 20 FETA CHEESE SUBSTITUTES
- 1. GOAT CHEESE (CHEVRE)
- 2. RICOTTA SALATA
- 3. COTIJA
- 4. HALLOUMI
- 16. KEFALOTYRI OR KASSERI
- 17. MANOURI
- QUICK CHEAT SHEET: CHEESE SUBSTITUTES FOR FETA
- Did this help you? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
WHAT IS FETA?
Feta is a brined white cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk. Originating from Greece, it's known for its crumbly texture, tangy flavor, and salty bite. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
20 FETA CHEESE SUBSTITUTES
1. GOAT CHEESE (CHEVRE)
If you love that tangy taste of feta cheese, then goat cheese is one of the best substitutes for feta.
USE IT IN:
It's creamy, crumbly, and works beautifully in salads and quiche, especially when warm and melty.
2. RICOTTA SALATA
Not to be confused with regular ricotta! Ricotta Salata is firm, salty, and easily crumbled.
USE IT IN:
Use it in a pasta salad or over grilled veggies instead of feta.
3. COTIJA
This Mexican cheese is dry, salty, and crumbly, basically a cousin of feta.
USE IT IN:
A good replacement for feta in tacos, salads, and roasted corn.
4. HALLOUMI
Slightly chewy and salty, halloumi is perfect for grilling or frying.
USE IT IN:
Use it instead of feta in warm dishes like grain bowls or on toast.
5. PANEER
For a mild, soft texture that holds up well in heat, paneer is a fantastic option.
USE IT IN:
Great in pasta, quiche, or baked into casseroles.
6. VEGAN FETA
Made from tofu, cashews, or coconut oil, these vegan alternatives mimic feta’s saltiness and tang, and are perfect for when pregnant or dairy-free.
7. TOFU (MARINATED OR WHIPPED)
Need a quick DIY vegan option? Cube extra-firm tofu, marinate in lemon juice, olive oil, and salt, or use whipped tofu.
USE IT IN:
Use it on bagels or in a salad.
8. LABNEH
This thick Middle Eastern yogurt cheese is spreadable, creamy, and tangy.
USE IT IN:
Use it as a whipped feta substitute or on flatbreads.
9. QUESO FRESCO
Soft, mild, and crumbly—queso fresco won’t overpower your dish.
USE IT IN:
Best in salads, tacos, and pastas.
10. BLUE CHEESE
Bold, salty, and creamy, blue cheese is a more intense substitute for feta.
USE IT IN:
Use with restraint in salads or crumbled over pasta.
11. PARMESAN (SHAVED OR CRUMBLED)
While not soft, shaved Parmesan adds salty umami flavor—amazing instead of feta.
USE IT IN:
Use in pasta salads or roasted veggie dishes.
12. PERSIAN FETA
A smoother, creamier version of traditional feta, often marinated in oil and herbs.
USE IT IN
Amazing on toast or swirled into whipped feta dips.
13. BOURSIN OR HERB CREAM CHEESE
Need something spreadable? These work as soft, herby, feta-inspired spreads.
USE IT IN
Great on bagels, crackers, or with roasted veggies.
14. MOZZARELLA (FRESH)
Milder and creamier, mozzarella doesn’t have feta’s tang.
USE IT IN:
Works in many pasta and quiche recipes where texture is key.
15. BALKAN-STYLE WHITE CHEESE
This feta cousin from the Balkans is saltier and creamier.
USE IT IN:
Ideal in spanakopita or Mediterranean dips.
16. KEFALOTYRI OR KASSERI
Hard Greek cheeses offer a salty, briny flavor.
USE IT IN:
Shave into salads or melt into quiche and casseroles.
17. MANOURI
Less salty and richer than feta.
USE IT IN:
Manouri is perfect in watermelon salads or drizzled with honey and nuts for a savory-sweet bite.
18. TEMPEH (CRUMBLED AND MARINATED)
For a protein-rich vegan swap, crumble tempeh and marinate
USE IT IN:
Great in grain bowls or pasta salads.
19. GORONZOLA
Perfect for cheese lovers who like a funkier flavor.
USE IT IN:
Swap feta for a creamy gorgonzola in wraps, quiches, or cold pasta dishes
20. HOMEMADE CASHEW CHEESE
Blend soaked cashews, lemon juice, garlic, and salt into a creamy spread
USE IT IN:
Great as a dip or whipped feta substitute in vegan recipes.
QUICK CHEAT SHEET: CHEESE SUBSTITUTES FOR FETA
| 🥣 Use Case | Best Substitutes for Feta |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Vegan | Marinated tofu, vegan feta, cashew cheese, tempeh |
| 🍝 Pasta or Pasta Salad | Goat cheese, ricotta salata, cotija |
| 🥚 Quiche | Paneer, Persian feta, kasseri |
| 🥗 Salad | Goat cheese, labneh, blue cheese, queso fresco |
| 🥮 Spanakopita | Manouri, Balkan white cheese, Persian feta |
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