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 incredibly satisfying about making your own cheese — especially when it's a Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe that's creamy, tangy, and whipped to fluffy perfection. This homemade version brings a fresh, nutty twist that’s not just delicious but easy to whip up for your next plant-based meal.

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’m genuinely excited to share this Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe because it’s been a total game-changer in my kitchen. Whether you’re craving a creamy base for your lasagna or want to spread something luscious on your pizza, this ricotta shines with its simple ingredients and irresistibly smooth texture.

Simplicity: Just a handful of everyday ingredients make a ricotta that's silky, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Quick Prep: You can have this ready in about 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute meals or snacks.
Versatility: From Italian classics like lasagna and stuffed shells to a dollop atop vegan pizza — it fits any occasion.
Nutritious & Delicious: A good source of protein and healthy fats, giving you rich flavor without any dairy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here was chosen for its texture and flavor impact. The almonds give the base its creamy body, while the lemon juice adds that tangy brightness reminiscent of traditional ricotta. A pinch of salt and optional garlic powder round out the taste 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: Soaking them softens their texture, making the blend ultra-smooth and creamy.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess that mimics the fresh zing you'd get from real ricotta cheese.
Garlic Powder (optional): Gives a subtle savory depth — especially great for savory dishes.
Salt: Essential to heighten flavors and balance the creaminess.
Water: Adjusted to get just the right fluffiness — don’t skip adding extra if you like it lighter!

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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

I love experimenting with this Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe depending on what I’m cooking. Sometimes, a handful of fresh basil or oregano gets blended right in for an herby twist, making it perfect for Mediterranean dishes.

Herb-Infused Ricotta: Adding dried oregano and basil to the blend is a quick shortcut that amps up the Italian vibes—perfect for lasagna.
No-Garlic Version: If you're sensitive to garlic, just skip the powder and boost salt and lemon juice instead; it still tastes creamy and fresh.
Extra Fluffy: Play with the water amount—adding more gives you a lighter, spreadable ricotta great for topping crostinis or bagels.

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

This step is a lifesaver for time! Boil a few cups of water, then pour it over your raw almonds in a bowl. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes; I usually do about 10 because it softens them just right, making the ricotta ultra-smooth without hours of soaking.

Step 2: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Drain and rinse the almonds well to get rid of that soaking water. Then toss them into a high-speed blender like a Vitamix along with lemon juice, garlic powder (if using), salt, and ¾ cup of water. Blend until silky smooth—this usually takes a minute or two. Pause to scrape down the sides so no almond bits hide there.

If you want it fluffier and creamier, add up to ¾ cup more water in small amounts, blending each time. The texture should be light and airy, just like ricotta should be!

Step 3: Add Herbs (Optional) and Serve

For a herby twist, stir in dried oregano, basil, or fresh basil leaves once blended. Otherwise, use it right away or refrigerate for later. I love dolloping this vegan ricotta on pizza right before baking so it gets bubbly and perfect.

Top Tip

From my first attempts at this Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe, I realized a few small tweaks make a world of difference. These tips saved me from a grainy texture or bland flavor, and now I’m happy to pass them onto you!

Soaking Time Matters: Don't skip the quick soak—this softens almonds just enough for a creamy blend without lengthy prep.
Use a Powerful Blender: A Vitamix or equivalent really makes the difference in achieving that smooth, fluffy result.
Scrape Down Sides: Stop blending midway to scrape down the jar sides; this ensures an even texture with no almond bits lingering.
Adjust Water Gradually: Adding too much water at once can make it runny, so add little by little until you get the perfect fluffiness.

How to Serve Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little cracked black pepper and fresh basil leaves on top of my vegan ricotta before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil never hurts either—it takes the richness up a notch and looks gorgeous on the plate.

Side Dishes

Try pairing the ricotta with roasted veggies, crusty bread, or in veggie-stuffed shells for a comforting meal. It’s also surprisingly great scooped onto a fresh tomato salad for an easy summer lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to layer this vegan ricotta between thinly sliced roasted zucchini or eggplant for a no-bake lasagna-inspired appetizer. It also makes a stunning dip for a cheese board spread when served with colorful crudités and olives.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your vegan ricotta in an airtight container in the fridge. I've found it stays fresh and creamy for up to 5 days, making it ideal for meal prep or quick snacks whenever you need a protein boost.

Freezing

I have frozen small portions before, but keep in mind the texture can become slightly grainy after thawing. It works well if you’re planning to cook it in a baked dish afterward, where the cooking helps bring it back together.

Reheating

When reheating, especially baked dishes with vegan ricotta, I gently warm the dish in the oven rather than microwaving. This helps maintain that creamy texture and prevents drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe really easy for beginners?

Absolutely! You just soak the almonds briefly and blend everything together. No fancy equipment needed beyond a good blender, and the process is straightforward for anyone who can follow simple steps.

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, you can experiment with raw cashews for a creamier texture, though almonds provide a slightly nuttier flavor that mimics ricotta well. Cashews might require longer soaking to soften fully.

Does the garlic powder overpower the flavor?

Not at all! The garlic powder is optional and used sparingly to add savory depth without being overwhelming. If you prefer, you can leave it out or add fresh garlic for a different twist.

How long does homemade vegan ricotta last in the fridge?

It typically stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Always give it a sniff and a taste before using, and stir if any separation happens—this is normal with almond-based cheeses.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe truly feels like a little kitchen victory every time I make it. It’s wholesome, affordable, and fresh — and it brings a comforting, creamy element to my plant-based meals that I just can’t get enough of. Trust me, once you make your own, fresh ricotta becomes more than just an ingredient; it becomes a star of your cooking. Give it a try and enjoy the feel-good magic of homemade vegan cheese!