Ricotta Salata

Ricotta Salata is one of the few cheeses that originated from Sicily.  The cheese is made from lightly salted sheep's milk curd.  The curd is pressed and dried then aged for at least 3 months.

The Flavor And Texture

Ricotta salata has a mild, nutty/milky flavor but it is not a salty cheese. The texture is quite smooth.  The Sicilian style cheese is also referred to as "per la grattugia" which means "for the grater". 

Choose and Serve Ricotta Salata

Some notable brands include Mannoni and Pinna.  Once you purchase the cheese re-wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the vegetable bin in your refrigerator.  This will help to keep the moisture in the cheese.  The uses are numerous, salads, sprinkle over sauteed vegetables or atop your favorite pasta.  It can also be sliced and added to your cheese board with fresh fruit, crusty bread and you favorite salami or prosciutto.

Substitute For Ricotta Salata

If you can't find Ricotta Salata you can substitute, ounce for ounce:

• Your first choice substitute should be Feta cheese which is typically easy to find but it does have a stronger flavor and it is saltier.
• OR - Manouri which is a semi-soft Greek sheep or goat's milk cheese. Look for this in the cheese section of your grocery, nearby other Greek cheese like feta and kasseri.
• OR - Pecornio Romano (sharper flavor) but good for grating.

Where To Buy Ricotta Salata

This is not a very hard to find cheese.  Look for it at Trader Joes, Wholefoods Market, and online: Ricotta Salata