Vegan Feta Cheese (Tofu Feta)
This simple vegan feta cheese is bursting with authentic feta flavor and is super easy to make with a block of firm tofu! It tastes surprisingly similar to feta made from dairy, yet since it’s made with tofu, it gives you added protein for a satisfying meal. Keep it in the fridge ready to crumble on salads, pasta, or in some vegan Spanakopita!
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Did you love the taste of feta crumbled on your salad or pasta? You can have that taste again with this vegan feta cheese made from tofu and a few simple ingredients! Plus it’s healthier than store-bought vegan feta made with coconut oil.
I make a lot of different homemade vegan cheeses that require cooking and things like agar agar powder, but I love how easy it is to make this plant-based feta from simply marinating tofu to get a real feta cheese flavor.
I absoloutely love this recipe . When it is finished i make another one immediately so i always have it on hand. Thank you so much, My family are also plant based and feel the same about your recipe.
—Frankie
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s simply delicious with an authentic cheesy taste!
- Vegan feta is packed with protein.
- It’s easy to make in minutes.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Tofu – for the base of your cheese. Firm tofu or extra-firm tofu (water-packed) works the best.
- Nutritional Yeast – for a cheesy flavor. This is a yellow flaky powder that you can find at most health food stores or large supermarkets. Don’t confuse it with brewer’s yeast, you need to use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – for acidity and flavor.
- Lemon Juice – for a tangy flavor.
- Miso – for a salty cheesy flavor. (Optional – it gives it a nice flavor, but if you don’t have any, it’s still good without it.)
- Salt – for the salty flavor of feta. Traditional feta is very salty. If you don’t like things too salty you can reduce the salt.
- Garlic Powder – for flavor. You can swap for onion powder if you prefer.
- Oregano – for flavor.
Helpful tools
Tofu Press – is helpful, but if you don’t have one, you can press it between two cutting boards with something heavy on top.
How to make vegan feta
Step 1 – Drain and press your block of tofu to get all of the excess liquid out of it. (This will take about 10 minutes.)
Step 2 – While the tofu is pressing, make a marinade. Add hot water, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, miso, salt, and spices to a dish or bowl, and give it all a stir with a fork. I like to use a shallow container so there is more surface area for the tofu to absorb the marinade.
Step 3 – Cut your pressed tofu into cubes (or simply crumble it) add it to the marinade and flip it with a spatula until it is well coated.
Step 4 – Allow your tofu feta to sit in the fridge for at least an hour to let the tofu soak up the flavors. (It will taste even better if sits overnight.)
What tofu makes good faux feta?
Make sure that you use firm or extra firm water-packed tofu. The soft tofu or the silken tofu that comes in little cardboard boxes is too soft and will fall apart. The high protein tofu that is really dense and comes vacuumed sealed is too firm and doesn’t give the soft texture that emulates real feta.
Herbs
Herbs add a nice flavor to this feta. I like to add about 1 tsp of dry herbs like oregano or Italian herbs mix. However, classic feta doesn’t have herbs and is just a salty cheese with a slight bite. So if you want it to have a more classic taste, leave the herbs out. I like the herbs in the Greek pasta salad, but not in sweeter dishes.
Serving suggestions
Use this tofu feta like you would any other feta cheese – it even makes a great baked feta pasta! My favorite way to use it is to sprinkle it over vegan Greek salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, or orzo pesto salad.
Crumble it on a green salad with apples, or use it to make delicious vegan Spanakopita!
Pro Tips
- Let the tofu marinate for at least an hour to soak up the flavor.
- Keep the feta in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- For a tangier feta double the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
Try this vegan feta in these Addicting Feta Stuffed Grilled Tomatoes from Sustainable Cooks to make it vegan! You can also blend the feta and use it in vegan baked feta pasta. It’s also delicious as a pizza topping!
My kids love it plain right out of the container. (They kept eating it before it was done and I could do the photoshoot so I ended up making it 3 times before I finally got fending them off to take the pictures).
Storage
Store your tofu feta in a sealed container or glass jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing it because it will change the texture of the tofu.
If you like this tofu feta recipe, check out all of my tofu marinades and never have boring tofu again!
More vegan cheese recipes
- Healthy Veggie Cheese Sauce
- Vegan Pepper Jack
- Vegan Blue Cheese
- Melty Vegan Mozzarella
- Vegan Cream Cheese
- Vegan Halloumi Cheese
Vegan Feta Cheese – Tofu Feta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 teaspoon white miso, (optional, but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil, or other neutral-flavored oil
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano , or Italian seasoning mix (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) package firm tofu
Equipment
Instructions
- Drain and press your tofu to get all of the excess liquid out of it. (This will take about 10 minutes.)
- While the tofu is pressing, make a marinade. Add water, miso, olive oil, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and oregano to a dish and give it all a stir with a fork. I like to use a shallow container so there is more surface area for the tofu to absorb the marinade.
- Cut your pressed tofu into cubes (or simply crumble it) add it to the marinade and flip it with a spatula until it is well coated.
- Allow your tofu feta to sit in the fridge for at least an hour to let the tofu soak up the flavors. (It will taste even better if sits overnight.)
Notes
- Let the tofu marinate for at least an hour to soak up the flavor.
- Keep the feta in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- For a tangier feta double the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
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*This recipe was originally published on June 8, 2018. It was updated on June 29, 2020, to include new images and more detailed recipe instructions.
I think even pressed the tofu is too soft. Have you ever tried your recipe with super firm or frozen and thawed tofu? Your recipe and tips are great. And I could be so very wrong. Thank you.
I’m so happy I found this recipe! The feta cheese came out delicious. I really like that I can make it tangier with a little more apple cider and lemon juice. Thank you so much for sharing ALL your cheese recipes. They are the best of all the others I’ve tried.
Aww, thanks! I’m so happy that you found my recipe too.
Your recipes are great. Can we use white beans tofu instead of soya!
Thanks
I have never tested it that way, but I think that it would work.
Based on other reviews I halved the salt, skipped the oil, and doubled the recipe. OMG. I’m not sure there is going to be enough for the salad tonight because anytime I go near the fridge, I grab some. So yummy! And ridiculously easy. Thanks for sharing!!!!
I’m so happy that you like the recipe! 🙂
I absoloutely love this recipe . When it is finished i make another one immediately so i always have it on hand. Thank you so much, My family are also plant based and feel the same about your recipe.
I’m so happy that you and your family like this recipe! 🙂
What type of Miso did you use?
Yellow. Sweet white. Red. Etc. There’s so many different types and flavors of miso!
I usually use white or yellow miso. Enjoy.
This is very nice and has beautiful flavours, although I recommend cutting the salt down a lot. I used 1tsp and thought it was way too salty. I understand feta is meant to be salty, but next time I will start with less and adjust as needed. I’ll definitely make it again.
I’m so happy that you liked the recipe! 🙂
Wasn’t sure I was going to like this but wanted to try it as have been looking for healthy lunch ideas and wow! Absolutely love it. Very easy to make and was great in a rocket & chickpea sandwich in place of feta. Thank you!
I’m so happy that you liked the recipe, Molly! 🙂
Reads as a very simple must try. Will follow up when created. TY
It is very easy. Hope that you enjoy it.
I never leave comments, but this time I have to thank you because this is so good and so easy to make!
Thank you! So glad that you like the recipe! 🙂
love love this recipe, have made it multiple times. question. Can i reuse the brine? or do i have to make a new one each time i want to make a new batch
Great question. Yes, you can reuse the brine, but I would only do so if you are making another batch within the week.
Holy cow, I did not think this was going to turn out tasting so much like feta! I used this in a couscous salad that usually has feta and tzatziki dressing and it was fantastic. Couldn’t even tell it was tofu, I’ll be making this again for sure!
I’m so happy that you liked it, Samantha! 🙂
Pressed my tofu overnight so it would take up lots of marinade. Doubled marinade as someone else suggested. Tastes great – but I think the next time I make it I won’t double the salt :). I can eat a couple of cubes at a time as snacks but I couldn’t eat a lot at once due to the salt level. Very tasty regardless :).
I’m happy that you liked it, Maureen. 🙂
I rarely leave comments on recipes but I had to for this one. I’m so glad I found it, I make it regularly. I’m not vegan, but feta cheese is so expensive and this is an alternative where I can hardly tell the difference in most dishes! It’s delicious and I can even snack on it out of the container without feeling guilty.
I’m so happy that this recipe works for you! It is so much cheaper than feta! I’m glad that you found it too. Thanks for leaving a comment! 🙂
This is amazing! I like to meal prep this and tabboleh…its such a flavorful protein booster that uplevels tabboleh or greek salad to a quick, healthy, substantial meal. Thank you!
I’m so happy that you liked it, Janelle! 🙂
This recipe is amazing!! I halved the oil and will consider leaving it out next time since I avoid oils. It was still fabulous! I made it for a pasta salad…sad to say I’ll have to make more since half of it got eaten before the pasta salad got made. Whoops!
I’m so happy that you liked the recipe, Cee! 🙂
Hi – I don’t use oils either. Did you end up making an oil free batch? If so how did it turn out?
Hi, Monica! I just found this recipe and made it today. Delicious! I doubled the marinade (because I always do for any tofu recipe). I left out the oil but compensated with an extra tsp of miso for unctuousness. And I even like the little extra saltiness the increased miso adds. Thanks for a great recipe!
I’m so happy that you liked the recipe! 🙂
WOW! This is absolutely delicious!
I’m so happy that you like it, Sina! 🙂
Hi I made this last night using brown miso & fresh oregano & thyme from my garden. Well I just tried a cube & had to go back for another just yummy. Oh forgot I also added some smoked herb & garlic salt.
Sounds great! I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Lin! 🙂
I try to avoid using refined oil. I see that the recipe instructions never said to add any oil. Does that mean that it’s optional? Have you made it without the olive oil before?
Yes, you can leave the oil out if you wish, it is just a little less rich. Enjoy! 🙂
Really delicious thank you!
Didn’t have any miso so didn’t add it, but tasted great nonetheless 🙂
I’m so happy that you liked the recipe, Maia. 🙂
So delicious! Totally satisfied my feta craving. I’ve been using it in Mediterranean quinoa bowls, as well as eating it right out of the container!
I’m so happy that you like it, Allie. Sounds delicious on a Mediterranean quinoa bowl! 🙂
This was delicious! Absolutely perfect. I did not change a thing (other than crumble some of it) and added all ingredients. You will think you are eating real feta cheese. Thank you for this recipe!
You’re welcome, Colleen! I’m so happy that you liked the recipe! 🙂
Wow I’ve just discovered this site and want to thank you for sharing your skills! So far I have tried the feta and it’s so delicious and simple to do . It’s never occurred to me to eat tofu raw .. We were snacking on it from the box but I also decided to roll some in cornflour and do it in my new air fryer and it was really good . Can’t wait to make more things , next is halloumi! With love from the uk x
I’m so happy that you like the recipe, Lyndsey!
This is an amazing recipe. So very tasty! I increased the amount of herbs and added italian spices. Delicious in greek salad that I enjoyed with Spanikopita! I will be using this recipe time and time again! Thanks very much!
You’re welcome, Brigitte! I’m so happy that you liked it! 🙂
I cook a lot but never take the time to rate things. This recipe is that good. It’s bloody amazing actually. Perfect vegan replacement and the marinade could be used for a number of things. Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
You’re welcome, Breanne! I’m so happy that you liked the recipe, and thank you for taking the time to comment! 🙂
I made this today! I used a mix of plain tofu and aux herbes….as to see how it turns out. The tofu with herbs were infused in the flavors of the marinade quicker than the plain….but I like the mix of both. Amazing recipe 😋
I’m happy that you liked it, Susie! 🙂
Really good! I love the marinade. I used 50% more marinade, crumbled the tofu, marinated overnight and then spread out on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper) and baked at 350 for about 20-30 minutes, just to dry it out/firm it up a bit. Tasty!
Sounds delicious! I’m glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
This is so simple and so good. I have even done the Feta tomato challenge with it by just marinading the whole tofu block instead of cutting it up and then throwing tofu and marinade in with the tomatoes. Super yummy.
Awesome! I’m glad it worked well for you! 🙂
I just saw you tried the tomato feta challenge. I Told you your feta was good for this. Thanks for coming up with such a great feta for this challenge
Hello, I was wondering if the oil is key? So would it be ok if I leave it out?
You could leave it out, it keeps it a little moister and gives you a more authentic mouthfeel, but not much flavor. Enjoy! 🙂
This was absolutely perfect! I wanted a substitute for feta in a pasta salad and I’m blown away. It was so easy and delicious!
I’m so happy that you liked it, Amy! 🙂
So excited to try this, it sounds amazing! 😍However I only have brown miso, I’ve read online that I would have to reduce the quantity if I were to use it instead – do u reckon I should try that or just do away with the miso entirely?
Thanks so much for your time and for sharing such amazing recipes!
Some of the darker miso varieties have a stronger flavor, so I would use only half of the amount of miso if using brown miso. Enjoy! 🙂
Where do you buy miso powder?
I just use miso paste. Miso powder is hard to find. Enjoy! 🙂
Hi Monica, thanks so much for all of your amazing healthy recipes! I was wondering, do you have a favorite tofu recipe? I’d like to try making my own (I saw your Burmese/chickpea tofu recipe, but would that be too firm to use in this feta recipe?). I really appreciate it, and be safe and well! 🙂
I don’t make my own tofu (other than the chickpea tofu) since I can find it easily at the store. There is a great old cookbook called The New Farm Vegetarian Cookbook that has recipes for homemade tofu. I would try that.
I made this recipe for feta cheese about a week ago. It took me a few days before I could use it in my greek salad, but I did taste it after it marinated for a few hours, then tasted it every day before I finally got to use it. It was delicious and got better every single day. Letting it marinate really gave the flavor more depth and complexity. I already made another batch and plan on keeping it on hand just because I love it so much! Thank you for this recipe.
I’m so happy that you liked it, Laura! It does taste better the longer it sits in the marinade! My kids always just eat it out of the container they love it so much. 🙂
This was delicious!! I ended up marinating it over two evenings, and can see myself coming back to this over and over again. Absolutely delicious in your spanikopita recipe. Thank you so much!!
I’m so happy that you liked it, Megan! 🙂
Hi, Monica. Do you know if I can try any other vinegar or oil without the APPLE cider? Why does it need the lemon juice?
Lemon juice is just for a tangy flavor. You can adjust it to suit your taste and needs. I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
Hi. I was wondering if I could substitute liquid amino acid for the miso?
Hi Kathy, you could use liquid amino instead. It will change the flavor a little, but I think it would taste good! 🙂
yum! I am going to use this in my spanakopita!
Oh good! I love it in spanakopita! Enjoy!
I just made this!
Yum!yum!yum!
My new feta cheese
I replaced the miso with soy sauce since I didn’t have any.
Worked great!
I’m so happy that you liked it! Great idea to use soy sauce instead of miso! I’ll have to test that out too! Enjoy! 🙂
Wow! This was delicious! I’ve been missing feta for so long! This satisfied that craving!
I’m so happy to hear this Erin! Enjoy!
I’m allergic to yeast-all kinds, including nutritional yeast. What substitution do you recommend in place of nutritional yeast for this recipe? 🙂
Hi Heidi. I’m sorry, but I don’t know of anything with a similar flavor to nutritional yeast. You can just leave it out, but it won’t taste as cheesy. I wish I knew a substitute! 🙂