Ran out of feta or need a swap? These Feta Cheese Substitutes will keep your recipes delicious, whether you’re making salads, pasta, or dips!
Sometimes, you just don’t have feta on hand—or maybe you’re avoiding it for dietary reasons. Whatever the case, finding the right feta cheese substitute can save your dish without sacrificing flavour. The good news? There are plenty of delicious swaps that work just as well in salads, pasta, and beyond.
Whether you need something creamy, tangy, or totally dairy-free, there’s an option that’ll do the trick. Some alternatives bring the same salty bite, while others add a unique twist to your dish. And let’s be real—sometimes, you just have to work with what’s in your fridge. So let’s dive into the best feta cheese substitutes and find your perfect match!
BEST FETA CHEESE SUBSTITUTES FOR ANY RECIPE
1. RICOTTA SALATA (BEST FOR TEXTURE AND MILD SALTINESS)

How to Use: Crumble it over salads, pasta, or roasted veggies just like you would with feta. It’s not as tangy, so if you want more bite, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of salt.
Why it Works: Ricotta salata is a firmer, aged version of ricotta with a mild saltiness and crumbly texture—making it a great feta cheese substitute.
2. COTIJA CHEESE (BEST FOR A SALTY, CRUMBLY SWAP)

How to Use: Use it in tacos, salads, and even Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Since it’s drier than feta, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil for a little moisture.
Why it Works: Cotija is a Mexican cheese that’s salty and crumbly, just like feta. It has a slightly stronger taste but works well in most dishes.
3. GOAT CHEESE (CHEVRE) (BEST FOR CREAMINESS AND TANG)

How to Use: Swap crumbled goat cheese into salads or spread it on toast instead of feta. If you need a firmer texture, chill it before crumbling.
Why it Works: Goat cheese has that signature tanginess, but it’s softer and creamier than feta. It brings a slightly different texture while still keeping the flavour bold.
4. QUESO FRESCO (BEST FOR MILD FLAVOUR AND SOFT CRUMBLES)
How to Use: Use it in salads, grain bowls, and tacos. If you want more tang, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Why it Works: Queso fresco is mild, slightly tangy, and crumbles well, making it a solid alternative. It’s softer than feta and less salty, so it won’t overpower dishes.
5. HALLOUMI (BEST FOR GRILLING OR SAUTÉEING)

How to Use: Grill or pan-fry slices and use them in salads, wraps, or grain bowls for a deliciously chewy, salty bite.
Why it Works: Halloumi is salty and firm like feta, but with a unique bonus—it holds up well to heat! If you need a feta replacement in a warm dish, halloumi is a winner.
6. PARMESAN (BEST FOR A HARD CHEESE ALTERNATIVE)

How to Use: Shave or grate Parmesan over salads and pasta dishes for a more intense, nutty take on feta’s role.
Why it Works: While Parmesan isn’t crumbly, it has a similar salty, umami-rich flavour that can stand in for feta in certain dishes.
7. BLUE CHEESE (BEST FOR A BOLD, FUNKY SWAP)

How to Use: Add it to salads, burgers, or even scrambled eggs for a bold twist on feta’s usual role.
Why it Works: If you love strong flavours, blue cheese is an excellent sub. It’s creamy, crumbly, and packs a punch with its sharp, tangy notes.
8. TOFU (BEST DAIRY-FREE VEGAN OPTION)

How to Use: Crumble marinated tofu over Greek salads, pasta, or even avocado toast for a plant-based feta alternative.
Why it Works: Firm tofu, when marinated with lemon juice, vinegar, and salt, can mimic feta’s tangy, crumbly texture—without the dairy!
9. PANEER (BEST FOR A MILD, FIRM SWAP)

How to Use: Cube or crumble it into curries, salads, and grain bowls. To boost the flavour, sprinkle it with salt and lemon juice.
Why it Works: Paneer is a firm, mild cheese that doesn’t melt—much like feta! It lacks the tang but holds up well in warm dishes.
10. MIZITHRA (BEST AUTHENTIC GREEK SUBSTITUTE)
How to Use: Crumble it over Greek salads or pasta for a mild, creamy alternative to feta.
Why it Works: This Greek cheese is made from sheep’s milk (like traditional feta) but has a slightly sweeter, less tangy taste.
11. LABNEH (BEST FOR A SOFT, SPREADABLE OPTION)

How to Use: Spread it on pita, swirl it into dips, or use it as a base for a creamy feta-inspired dressing.
Why it Works: Labneh is a strained yogurt cheese with a thick, creamy texture and tangy taste—perfect for spreading or dolloping.
At the end of the day, feta is awesome—but it’s not the only cheese in town. Whether you’re swapping it out because you ran out or just want to try something new, there are plenty of feta cheese substitutes that bring the same salty, tangy goodness (or a fun twist). From crumbly cotija to creamy goat cheese, the options are endless. And hey, who knows? You might just find a new favourite.
So next time a recipe calls for feta and you’re fresh out, don’t panic—just get creative! There’s always a way to make it work, whether that means crumbling up some ricotta salata or marinating tofu for a dairy-free swap. Cooking is all about flexibility, and sometimes the best flavours come from a little improvisation. Now go fourth, my friends, and cheese on!
LOVE THIS LIST? PIN IT FOR LATER!

The links in this post are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting HipHipGourmet!