Feta cheese is a beloved ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, but for those following a vegan diet, it's off-limits. However, with the rise of plant-based eating, there are now vegan versions of feta cheese made from ingredients such as tofu, nuts, and plant-based milk.

One of the most popular ingredients used to make vegan feta cheese is tofu. Tofu is a great option because it has a similar texture and mild flavor to feta cheese. To make vegan feta cheese with tofu, you will need some firm tofu, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Simply crumble the tofu into a bowl and mix in the rest of the ingredients until they are well combined. Let the mixture marinate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. The result is a tangy and creamy feta-like cheese that can be used in salads, sandwiches, or any other dish that calls for feta cheese.

Another option for making vegan feta cheese is using nuts, such as cashews or almonds. To make nut-based vegan feta cheese, you will need to soak the nuts in water overnight to soften them. Then, blend the nuts in a food processor or blender with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and any herbs or spices you like. The resulting mixture should be smooth and creamy, with a tangy flavor reminiscent of feta cheese.

A third option for making vegan feta cheese is using plant-based milk, such as soy or almond milk. To make vegan feta cheese with plant-based milk, you will need to first create a vegan cheese base by heating up the milk with agar agar, a vegan gelatin substitute. Once the cheese base has solidified, you can crumble it up and mix it with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs to create a feta-like flavor.

Now that you know how to make vegan feta cheese, let's explore how you can use it in your cooking. Vegan feta cheese can be used in any dish that calls for traditional feta cheese. Here are a few ideas:

Greek salad: Instead of traditional feta cheese, sprinkle vegan feta cheese on top of your Greek salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Pasta dishes: Vegan feta cheese can be added to pasta dishes, such as a vegan Greek pasta salad or a pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and olives.

Sandwiches: Vegan feta cheese can be used as a spread on sandwiches or added as a topping to a veggie burger.

Buddha bowls: Sprinkle vegan feta cheese on top of your Buddha bowl for a boost of protein and flavor.

Pizza: Crumble vegan feta cheese on top of your pizza for a tangy and cheesy flavor.

In addition to its delicious flavor, vegan feta cheese also has several health benefits. Traditional feta cheese is made from sheep or goat milk, which can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Vegan feta cheese, on the other hand, is made from plant-based ingredients that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Tofu-based feta cheese is also a good source of protein and nutrients, such as calcium and iron.

When purchasing vegan feta cheese, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully. Some store-bought vegan feta cheeses may contain preservatives, additives, or high amounts of sodium. Look for brands that use simple, whole food ingredients and have minimal processing.