Ricotta Cheese vs Ricotta Salata Cheese

Q: Is Ricotta Cheese the same as Ricotta Salata Cheese?

No. Ricotta Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Ricotta Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Ricotta Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Ricotta Cheese taste like Ricotta Salata Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Ricotta Cheese or Ricotta Salata Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta Salata Cheese

Ricotta Cheese is a soft, moist cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Ricotta Salata Cheese is semi-hard, whey and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from the leftover whey of sheep, cow, goat, or water buffalo milk cheesemaking. The fresh curds are creamy white and slightly sweet, and they turn up in cannoli and cheesecakes as readily as in lasagne and ravioli.

What Is Ricotta Salata Cheese?

Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.

What's the Difference Between Ricotta Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese?

Milk type: Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk), Ricotta Salata Cheese (sheep's milk)
Texture: Ricotta Cheese (Soft, moist), Ricotta Salata Cheese (semi-hard, whey)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ricotta Cheese	Ricotta Salata Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Italy	—
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk	Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Whey	—
Texture	Soft, moist	Semi-hard, whey
Rind	None	—
Aging	Fresh	—
Taste	Sweet, slightly creamy	—

Taste Comparison: Does Ricotta Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Salata Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Ricotta Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese?

Ricotta Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Salata Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, moist bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, whey.

Which Is Better, Ricotta Cheese or Ricotta Salata Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, moist cheese, go with Ricotta Cheese. For a semi-hard, whey profile, Ricotta Salata Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ricotta Cheese the same as Ricotta Salata Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Ricotta Salata Cheese uses sheep.

Is Ricotta Cheese similar to Ricotta Salata Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Ricotta Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Ricotta Cheese taste like Ricotta Salata Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Ricotta Cheese made of?

Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (whey), using animal or microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Italy.

What is Ricotta Salata Cheese made of?

Ricotta Salata Cheese is made from sheep milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Ricotta Cheese or Ricotta Salata Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist, while Ricotta Salata Cheese is semi-hard, whey.