Greek-Style Vegan Feta

Jump to Recipe
This vegan feta recipe has the classic tangy, salty, savory flavors and firm-crumbly texture of classic feta but without any of the dairy. It's surprisingly easy to make with a block of extra-firm tofu and a few pantry staples. Crumble into salads and wraps, serve on top of crostini, or toss into pasta.
Prep 30 minutes
Marinating Time 12 hours
Total 35 minutes
5 from 126 votes

Every time I’ve ordered a Greek salad since going vegan, it’s felt a little lackluster. It’s always nice and light, but it without any feta, it lacks the same salty, briny, tangy bite that a classic Greek salad has.

But, this vegan feta has the same savory tanginess of traditional feta (and lots of herby Greek flavor) but without any of the dairy!

It’s surprisingly simple to make, packed with protein thanks to tofu, can be served in small cubes or crumbled, and will stay good in the fridge for a week.

vegan feta made from tofu in a green bowl

Hungry for more vegan cheese?

Check out my complete guide to vegan cheese! It covers the best vegan cheese recipes to use for every situation (like Fermented Cashew Cheese and Vegan Queso) and reviews the best vegan cheeses you can buy at the supermarket.

Why you’ll love this recipe 

Easy. This recipe could hardly be simpler – just press a block of extra firm tofu, dice it into cubes, then let it hang out it in a special marinade in the fridge, and you’re set!

Wholesome. This vegan feta is a nourishing, protein-packed alternative to dairy-based feta, with none of the lactose but all of the salty and savory flavor.

Versatile. This vegan feta is great in salads (especially a watermelon or cucumber salad), grain bowls, and couscous dishes. It’s also delightful on top of flatbreads or pizzas. Or you could stuff it into pasta, eggplant, zucchini, or tomatoes, or even add it to a side of roasted or grilled vegetables. 

And it would be a fabulous way to jazz up my Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad as well as the Greek Gigantes Plaki in my cookbook, The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook!

ad for meal plans program with picture of woman with button
watermelon salad with vegan feta

How to make this tofu feta 

Remove tofu from packaging and drain any excess liquid.

Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel or several layers of paper towels, then weigh it down with a heavy cookbook, or a large plate weighed down by a few cans of beans. Press the tofu for 1 hour, changing the towels in between. If you have a tofu press, you can use that for 20 to 30 minutes, releasing and then re-setting the clamps halfway through.

Slice the tofu into 4 vertical slabs, then slice vertically again so you have 8 slabs. Then, dice each slab into small bite-sized cubes.

Add the ingredients for the marinade to a medium bowl: miso paste, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, spices, and salt/pepper. Whisk well until the miso is well incorporated. 

Transfer the diced tofu to a container large enough to hold it, or to a large mason jar. Pour the marinade on top, close the lid, and shake back and forth to distribute the marinade. 

Allow the tofu feta to marinate in the fridge for 12 to 48 hours (I recommend 48 hours). 

Tips for making this vegan feta

Don’t skimp on pressing the tofu.

Pressing the tofu well is important to successfully making this recipe. Pressing the tofu removes water from the tofu, making the texture firmer and allowing the flavors in the marinade to fully absorb.

Marinate the feta for 48 hours if you can.

You can marinate for as little as 12 hours, but the longer it rests, the more the flavors develop and the more it has the briny, salty taste like feta. I prefer to marinate for 48 hours.

More Vegan Cheese Recipes

  • Fermented Cashew Cheese: one of the most unique and delicious vegan cheese recipes you’ll try! It’s sliceable and spreadable and has so much savory, cheesy flavor!
  • Vegan Queso: 10ish ingredients and 5 minutes of work is all you need for the BEST vegan queso. Great in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or just as a dip with tortilla chips.
  • Butternut cheese sauce: used in my crispy baked mac cheese, but also great as an all-purpose cheese sauce!
  • Smoky, spreadable cheese: find this easy spreadable recipe in my “pantry quesadillas” recipe
vegan feta made from tofu in a green bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I use vegan feta?

In all kinds of salads, grain bowls, and wraps! It’s particularly good in my Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad (feta and orzo are a natural match!), Grilled Corn Salad, and Instant Pot Couscous and Lentil Salad

In summer, we love making a classic watermelon feta salad. Simply mix watermelon cubes or wedges with torn cucumbers, add fresh mint and basil, along with the vegan feta. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, season to taste with salt and pepper, and enjoy a delicious bite of summer!

If you have my cookbook The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook, you’ll see the vegan feta gets served along the Gigantes Plaki (giant Greek beans stewed in tomatoes…so so good!).

For a simple lunch idea, stuff pita pockets or wraps with hummus, chickpeas or lentils, crunchy raw or pickled veggies, and vegan feta!

You can also toss vegan feta into pasta and pasta salads. If you’re having guests over, use it to round out a Mediterranean mezze platter or use it to make a Greek spin on bruschetta.

Can I omit the oil or substitute it?

I personally wouldn’t, as feta naturally has some fat, and we want to mimic that rich mouthfeel (tofu is pretty low in fat, especially compared to animal-based feta). That said, at least one reader substituted aquafaba with oil and enjoyed the results (peep the comments!). So, if you’re oil-free, that’s an option!

How long does the vegan feta last?

Store the feta in the fridge in its marinade, and it will stay fresh for about 7 days.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram – I love hearing your feedback.

Vegan Feta

5 from 126 votes
This vegan feta recipe has the classic tangy, salty, savory flavors and firm-crumbly texture of classic feta but without any of the dairy. It's surprisingly easy to make with a block of extra-firm tofu and a few pantry staples. Crumble into salads and wraps, serve on top of crostini, or toss into pasta.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time 12 hours
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek
Diet Vegan
Serving size: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 14-ounce block of extra-firm tofu
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons white miso paste brought to room temperature
  • 1/3 cup 76 mL apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup 60 mL lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves crushed
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

  • Drain the tofu and slice vertically into 4 slabs. Line a cutting board with a few layers of paper towels or a clean dish towel. Place the tofu slabs on top, wrap the tofu in more paper towels or a clean dish towel, then weigh the tofu down with a heavy cookbook, or a large plate weighed down by a few cans of beans (or use a tofu press). Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes (I usually leave it for an hour), changing the towels in between.
  • Once pressed, cut the tofu into small cubes (you don’t want large cubes).
  • In a medium bowl for which you have a lid, whisk together the miso, vinegar, lemon juice, oil, garlic, nutritional yeast, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the miso paste is dissolved. Add the tofu pieces to the marinade (you can also add the tofu to a large glass jar and pour the marinade on top). Mix well, shaking the bowl or jar, but don’t break up the tofu.
  • Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, but preferably for 48 hours. The longer, the brinier it’ll taste, like classic feta. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 295mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @rainbowplantlife and hashtag it #rainbowplantlife

Leave a Comment & Rating

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating along with your comment! It helps others discover my blog and recipes, and your comments always make my day :) Thank you for your support!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe




194 comments on Greek-Style Vegan Feta

  1. Nicole McLain

    I don’t have miso paste. Can I make this without it?

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Nicole, unfortunately the miso paste is an essential ingredient in this recipe. It helps bring creaminess and umami, we hope you can get your hands on some and try the recipe as-written very soon!

  2. Thea

    5 stars
    OMG! I have two young adult children who are vegan, which stresses me out for get-togethers and what I should make that we can all eat and enjoy. For Father’s Day we had appetizers including this “faux” feta, absolutely delish! I love finding substitutions that is healthier, and this was it! Family ate them separate with toothpicks, on top of pita and homemade hummus. I’m sure I’ll be making this a few times a month. Thank you for a great recipe!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thanks for sharing, Thea! So wonderful the vegan feta was a hit :)

  3. Kathleen

    5 stars
    I was super skeptical, but curious. Omg. This marinade all by itself is delicious. This will pair wonderfully with me Greek salad with chick peas. 🥰🥰🥰

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Kathleen, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!

  4. Kira

    5 stars
    Hi! Tried this and it was great, but on a very personal and subjective note, I’m not really a fan of apple cider vinegar. It gives it a sweet tang I don’t like. Any suggestions for a replacement that is purely savory/tart without that underlying sweet taste? Thank you!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Kira, totally understand. We suggest trying distilled white vinegar instead. All sharp tang, no sweetness.

  5. Tegan Gage

    5 stars
    Absolutely incredible. Will become a staple in my weekly life!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Tegan, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!

  6. Jennifer

    5 stars
    So easy to make, and so delicious! I’m not vegan, but I am trying to eat a more plant forward diet and this is perfect. My husband and I both prefer this to feta. I can’t wait to try your other vegan cheeses!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Jennifer, So glad to hear you two loved this recipe!

  7. Eva

    5 stars
    Insane! In a good way : ) Opened after 48 hours and knew this was gonna be good, because the tofu smelled exactly like my favorite Greek market stand at my local farmer’s market, that sells all kinds of marinated olives and other antipasti. That’s how I would describe the taste, like high quality olives in garlic marinade minus the olives. : ) Tossed it into the 15 Minute chili garlic noodles,because yay garlic, sooooo good! I’m convinced garlic triggers endorphins, same way chocolate does!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Awesome, Eva. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!

  8. Bri

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Bri, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!

  9. david

    5 stars
    This vegan feta is so yummy! It has a nice tang as well as lots of flavor, and the firmness of the tofu really does make it taste like feta!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Awesome, David. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!r

  10. Jessica G.

    5 stars
    This recipe is life changing! I wanted to make an amazing vegan Greek salad for my husband who is not a vegan. I made this glorious feta from the magical tofu and used it in a Mediterranean style chickpea salad. To say it was delicious would be an understatement. I’ve never tasted anything so good. This tofu feta is, by miles, the cheesiest vegan cheese I’ve tasted. It’s tangy, creamy, chewy, and just decadent. My 5 year old could have eaten the entire recipe by himself and has requested it for his birthday dinner. Thank you for being amazing and producing recipes like this!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Awesome, Jessica. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!

  11. Amy

    5 stars
    This was amazing! So easy to make and so much tastier and healthier than the grocery store vegan fetas I’ve tried. I will make this a staple in my house. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!!!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Awesome, Amy. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!

  12. Ane

    5 stars
    Love this! I mixed it with roasted cherry tomatoes (+ garlic, black pepper and olive oil) and spaghetti (+ cooking water for sauciness) and topped it with fresh basil. We got a winner :))

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Ane, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!

  13. Georgie

    I’m super keen to try this recipe, but just had some questions:

    – I was wondering if you had any idea as to what impact freezing the tofu would have on this recipe (to try and get more of the water out).
    – Does this have a chewy texture, or does the marinate soften the tofu?

    Thanks :-)

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      From Nisha: “Hi Georgie, freezing definitely makes tofu more chewy and spongier and I like using it in stir-fries and frying applications, but I don’t think freezing is necessary here and may actually make the texture too spongy and more dissimilar to traditional feta.”

  14. Candice

    5 stars
    Hello, I was just wondering. It says keeps up to 7 days, does that include the marinate time of 48hrs? It honestly probably won’t last that long but I’m still curious.

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Candice, it should be okay in the fridge for 7 days after it’s done marinating!

      1. Candice

        5 stars
        Thanks for getting back so quick! You’re amazing!

        1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

          Of course, enjoy the recipe! :)

  15. sadie

    WOW! I’m so over-the-top in love with this recipe. I’m a newish vegan and finding ways to incorporate different and yummy plant-based proteins has been a challenge. This feta is now a mainstay in my fridge. I love it! Thank you so much for the inspo and great recipes. :D

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Sadie, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!

      1. sadie

        5 stars
        Oh, so sorry! I didn’t even notice the star system until just now. It’s the REAL DEAL folk!

  16. Robin

    5 stars
    These are amazing. I had most of a block of tofu left over and didn’t want to waste time storing in water just to have to drain it again or toss it after I forgot about it.

    I made a little side salad and topped it with this tofu feta and used some of the marinade as dressing. It was amazing! It reminded me of Italian salads from a local restaurant I enjoyed when I was younger.

    I’m definitely adding this to my vegan cheese repertoire and I’m sure it will be enjoyed frequently in our house, my myself and the dairy-eaters as well. Thank you, Nisha!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Awesome, Robin. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!

  17. Michelle

    5 stars
    Nisha~
    This dish is fabulous! I topped it off with arugula and sunflower seeds. I did double the batch and then read your instructions 7 days to keep. Could I cook it? Or freeze it?

    1. Nisha

      Hi Michelle, sorry for the late reply. I’m glad you loved the feta! It’s really good in a vegan shakshuka or stewed bean type of recipe (I use it in the Greek gigantes with tomatoes in my cookbook, in chapter 3), so yes, it can be cooked, but I’d cook it with something else, not alone. I don’t think the texture would hold up great when frozen.

  18. Michelle

    I just made this but all I had was red miso~ the flavor is yummy. I have shared it with 2 of my girlfriends. I’ll post results in 48 hours 🥰

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Glad you love it, Michelle!

  19. Tiffany Fraser

    5 stars
    Love this recipe……even my Non-vegan family love it!!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Awesome, Tiffany. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!

  20. Henry

    5 stars
    So good! Delivers the salty, tangy, umami bite you get from regular feta. I like to mix it into salads.

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thanks for the lovely feedback, Henry!

    2. Michelle

      5 stars
      Oh that sounds delicious in a salad!

Development Alchemy + Aim