Elevate Your Meals with Vegan “Feta” Cheese: A Must-Try Recipe!

By Dr. Cindy Tanzar

As the culinary landscape continues to embrace plant-based alternatives, one recipe stands out for its delightful flavor and versatility: Vegan “Feta” Cheese! This innovative creation, shared by Cathy Blanks, is perfect for our vegan and vegetarian clients looking to add a creamy, tangy goodness to their dishes.

Why Vegan Feta?

Feta cheese holds a special place in the culinary world. Its crumbly texture and bold flavor can elevate simple meals into something extraordinary. Whether you’re drizzling it on a robust salad, incorporating it into delectable soups, or simply enjoying it on fresh veggies, feta adds a nutritious punch with its protein-rich profile. This Vegan “Feta” offers all those qualities and more without the use of dairy—making it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking to reduce their animal product consumption or simply looking for a delicious alternative.

Perfect Pairings

The possibilities are endless with this Vegan Feta! Here are some delightful pairings that Cathy and others have enjoyed:

• Salads: Cathy loves adding her vegan feta to a Greek Marinated Artichoke Salad, which is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor.
• Soups: It shines in roasted vegetable soups such as Roasted Butternut or Cream of Asparagus, adding an extra layer of texture and taste.
• Dips: Spread it on raw veggies like cucumbers, peppers, or zucchini for a healthy snack or appetizer.
• Creative Bases: Try it as a topping on a Cauliflower Tortilla or Zucchini Fritter for a unique twist on traditional dishes.

The Recipe: Vegan “Feta” Cheese

Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14 oz) firm organic tofu
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (preferably Californian)
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt
• 1 tsp Greek or Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

1. Prepare the Tofu: Begin by cutting the tofu horizontally into 2 equal pieces. Line a cutting board with several halves of paper towels, then place the tofu on top. Cover the tofu with a couple more halves of paper towels and place a heavy baking dish on top. Let it sit for 30 minutes to properly drain.
2. Crumble the Tofu: After draining, pat the tofu dry and crumble it into a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Dressing: In a small jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, pink Himalayan salt, Greek seasoning, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Shake well to mix.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the crumbled tofu and toss gently to ensure all the pieces are coated.
5. Refrigerate: For the best flavor, refrigerate overnight. If you’re in a pinch for time, let it marinate for at least 2 hours before serving.

A Versatile Flavor Booster!

This Vegan “Feta” Cheese isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore and experiment in the kitchen. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to reduce your dairy intake, this cheese alternative can enrich your meals, making them flavorful and satisfying.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try. Once you taste the delightful flavors, you’ll want to share this treasure with friends and family alike! Happy cooking!