Name: Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cups raw slivered almonds; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups water

There’s something so satisfying about making your own creamy cheese alternative, and this Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe nails that comforting, fluffy texture we all crave. It’s quick, simple, and just as versatile as traditional ricotta—trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket.

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy white spread swirled in a circle, with a drizzle of yellow oil on top creating a spiral pattern. On one side of the bowl, there are fresh green basil leaves gathered together. Around the bowl, there are almond slivers scattered on the top right, a squeezed lemon half on the top left, and some fresh basil leaves on the bottom left, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get over how delicious and easy this vegan ricotta turned out the first time I made it. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but actually comes together in no time—and that texture? Spot on, even next to dairy ricotta.

Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples—mostly almonds and lemon juice—give you that fresh, tangy ricotta flavor without any fuss.
Super Versatile: Use it in everything from vegan lasagna to dolloping on pizzas or spreading on toast for a quick snack.
Rich & Creamy Yet Light: Thanks to the almonds’ natural creaminess and the perfect amount of water, it’s fluffy without feeling dense or heavy.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the herbs or garlic to suit your taste, making each batch your own signature version.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a part in recreating the creamy, tangy, subtly nutty flavor ricotta is known for. The almonds form a smooth base, while lemon juice adds that classic ricotta zing. A dash of garlic powder and salt round out the flavor beautifully.

Flat lay of raw slivered almonds scattered artfully next to a few whole uncracked brown almonds, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl holding pale off-white garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse sea salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of clear fresh water, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly symmetrically arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raw Slivered Almonds: They soften nicely when soaked and blend into the creamiest texture—skip roasting to keep the mild flavor intact.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and mimics the slight tanginess of dairy ricotta, essential for that authentic taste.
Garlic Powder (optional): Just a touch adds savory depth without overpowering the flavor; feel free to omit if you prefer a purer taste.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the lemon’s acidity perfectly.
Water: Controls the consistency, helping the ricotta stay fluffy yet creamy—add gradually to get it just right.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What’s really fun about this vegan ricotta is how easily you can make it your own. I often add fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor, but you can also change up the garlic or even swap lemon for a bit of apple cider vinegar to switch things up.

Herb Variation: Once, I tossed in a teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil, and it transformed this ricotta into the perfect lasagna filling—super fragrant and herby.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe

A close-up shot shows a woman's hand holding a small, round cracker with a rough texture and brown color with dark specks. A thick layer of white creamy spread is generously covering half of the cracker, showing a fluffy texture. The background is blurred but shows a white bowl filled with more of the creamy spread, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Quick Soak the Almonds

I like to boil a few cups of water in my tea kettle—that’s just the fastest way for me—and pour it right over the almonds in a bowl. Soaking for at least 5 minutes softens them enough for a silky blend, but if I have extra time, I let them soak for up to an hour to get that super creamy texture.

Step 2: Blend Until Silky Smooth

After draining the soaking water, I add the almonds to my Vitamix along with fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and ¾ cup of fresh water. Don’t rush it—blend thoroughly, scraping the sides down a couple times to get that smooth, fluffy ricotta texture. If it feels too thick, I add water little by little, up to ¾ more cup, blending again until silky and airy.

Step 3: Customize and Enjoy

This is where you can stir in any fresh herbs or extra seasoning. I sometimes chuck in fresh basil leaves or a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick. Then, it’s ready to be spooned onto your favorite dish—trust me, it’s magic in vegan lasagna or spread on warm crusty bread.

Top Tip

After experimenting with various nuts and soak times, I’ve found these little tricks really help nail that authentic ricotta texture and flavor every time.

Soak Duration Matters: Even a quick 5-minute soak helps soften the almonds, but for the creamiest results, try soaking up to an hour if you have time.
Blend in Intervals: Stop and scrape the sides of your blender a few times during blending to ensure an even, fluffy texture.
Control Thickness with Water: Add water gradually—it’s easier to thin the ricotta than fix a runny batch.
Avoid Over-blending: Blend just until smooth and fluffy, then stop—overdoing it can make the texture too watery.

How to Serve Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this ricotta, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few cracked black pepper flakes really elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This vegan ricotta pairs so well with roasted veggies, fresh salads, or nestled inside stuffed pasta shells. A warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side completes the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or special dinners, I spread a layer of this ricotta in a casserole dish topped with tomato sauce and fresh herbs, then bake until lightly golden. It’s always a crowd favorite and looks beautiful served straight from the oven.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 5 days. The texture might thicken a bit—but a little stir or splash of water brings it right back to that creamy consistency.

Freezing

Freezing vegan ricotta can change the texture a bit, making it a touch grainier, but it’s still great for cooked dishes like lasagna or baked pastas. I freeze it in small batches and thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the ricotta in a saucepan or the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen it up. Stir well for the creamiest result, perfect for mixing into sauces or spreading on warm toast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds for this Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! Cashews are a popular alternative thanks to their natural creaminess, but almonds give a slightly firmer texture and nuttier flavor. You might need to adjust soaking time and water amount depending on the nuts you choose.

Is garlic powder necessary in the Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe?

Nope, garlic powder is optional and is just added for a subtle savory boost. If you prefer a plain ricotta flavor, you can leave it out and still get a wonderful creamy cheese alternative.

Can I make this Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe nut-free?

This particular recipe relies on almonds for its texture and taste, so it’s not suitable for nut allergies. However, you can try a tofu-based ricotta or use blended sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative, though texture will differ.

How long does homemade vegan ricotta last in the fridge?

Homemade vegan ricotta typically lasts about 5 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Make sure to give it a stir before using if it thickens or separates a bit.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe has become my go-to for adding rich, creamy flair to so many dishes without the dairy. It’s simple, adaptable, and honestly feels like a little kitchen win every time I blend it up. Give it a try—you'll soon wonder how you ever did without homemade vegan ricotta in your cooking routine!