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.

Vegan Almond Ricotta is a plant-based substitute for the rich and creamy cheese. It's ridiculously easy to make at home! You'll be enjoying it on dairy-free pizza, lasagna, and more in no time.

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.

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.

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!

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