Kamil Perry
Ricotta Salata is a firm, salted Italian cheese made from sheep's milk whey. It is known for its delicate, crumbly texture and slightly salty and tangy flavor with hints of sweetness. The aging process contributes to its firm texture and concentrated flavor, making it suitable for grating or crumbling over salads and pasta dishes. With its unique taste and texture, Ricotta Salata is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. In terms of nutrition, 1 ounce (oz) of Ricotta Salata contains approximately 80 to 90 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 8% carbohydrates (carbs), 72% fat, and 20% protein. Specifically, 2 tablespoons of crumbled Ricotta Salata have 1 gram of total carbs and 1 gram of net carbs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70-90 per ounce |
| Carbohydrates | 8% of calories |
| Fat | 6-72% of calories |
| Protein | 20% of calories |
| Texture | Firm, crumbly |
| Taste | Slightly salty, tangy, sweet |
| Lactose | Yes |
| Gluten | No |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta Salata nutrition facts
Ricotta Salata is a variety of Italian cheese made from sheep's milk whey. It is a firm, salted cheese produced by salting the whey and then leaving it to age. The ageing process gives the cheese its firm texture and concentrated flavour.
Ricotta Salata is not a lactose-free cheese, and it is also gluten-free. The cheese is considered vegetarian-friendly as its production does not involve the slaughter of animals.
Nutrition facts about Ricotta Salata vary depending on the brand and quantity. For example, 1 ounce of Ricotta Salata contains 80-90 calories, 6 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein. The macronutrient breakdown of this quantity is 8% carbs, 72% fat, and 20% protein.
Trader Joe's Crumbled Ricotta Salata Cheese has a slightly different nutritional profile. Two tablespoons of this product contain 1 gram of total carbs, 1 gram of net carbs, 6 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, and 70 calories.
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Carb content in 2 tablespoons
The precise carbohydrate content of ricotta salata cheese in 2 tablespoons will vary depending on the brand and other factors. However, according to Carb Manager, 2 tablespoons of Trader Joe's Crumbled Ricotta Salata Cheese contain 1 gram of total carbohydrates. This amount also constitutes 1 gram of net carbs, along with 6 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, and 70 calories.
Comparatively, ricotta cheese made with part-skim milk has a higher percentage of carbohydrates. Specifically, 2 tablespoons of this variety of ricotta cheese contain 15% carbs, which equates to approximately 0.65 grams of carbohydrates per 2 tablespoons.
Whole milk ricotta cheese, on the other hand, has a higher overall carbohydrate content. A quarter of a cup, which is equivalent to approximately 4 tablespoons, contains 4.5 grams of total and net carbohydrates. This amounts to approximately 1.125 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon.
While the carbohydrate content of ricotta salata cheese can vary, it generally falls within the range of 0.65 to 1.125 grams per 2 tablespoons, depending on the specific type and brand of cheese.
Additionally, when considering the macronutrient breakdown of ricotta salata cheese, carbohydrates typically constitute a relatively small proportion. For instance, Wegmans' Ricotta Salata Italian Cheese has a macronutrient composition of 5% carbohydrates, indicating that carbohydrates are not the predominant nutrient in this cheese.
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Calories in 1 oz
There are approximately 71 to 80 calories in 1 ounce of ricotta salata cheese. The number of calories varies slightly depending on the brand of cheese. For example, Mariano's Ricotta Salata Cheese contains 80 calories per ounce, while Il Villaggio's version contains 71 calories per ounce.
The macronutrient breakdown of ricotta salata cheese is approximately 5% carbs, 73% fat, and 22% protein. This means that out of the 80 calories in an ounce of this cheese, about 4 calories come from carbohydrates, 59 from fat, and 17 from protein.
To give you a better understanding of how these macros break down in relation to your diet, let's look at the grams of each: 1 ounce of ricotta salata cheese contains about 0.4 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein.
It's important to note that the percentage of daily values (%DV) listed on nutrition labels is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs. So, while ricotta salata cheese may fit within a balanced diet, it's always good to be mindful of your overall calorie and nutrient intake to ensure you're meeting your specific nutritional goals and energy requirements.
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How to use in cooking
Ricotta salata is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavour of many dishes. It is produced in southern Italy, specifically in Lazio and Basilicata. In Lazio, it is made from the whey of Pecorino Romano, while in Basilicata, it is made from goat whey. The cheese is moulded into a basket, salted, and pressed to remove moisture and create a tight, uniform texture. This process also helps to preserve the cheese, which can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.
When using ricotta salata in cooking, it is essential to consider its strong flavour and salty bite. A little can go a long way, so it is often used as a punctuation mark for both the eye and the palate. Its distinctive, snowy-white colour stands out against other vivid food hues, creating a striking visual contrast.
- Grate it over pasta dishes, such as gnocchi, cavatelli, or orchiette, to add a punch of flavour.
- Crumble it over a crisp green salad for a salty contrast to fresh vegetables.
- Slice it thinly and pair it with sweet jam or honey on a sandwich. The salty-sweet combination can be delightful.
- Use it as a topping for crostini. For example, spread some roasted eggplant and garlic puree on toasted bread, then top it with tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs like mint and parsley.
- Serve it with warmed crackers and prosciutto as an appetizer or enjoy it with farmhouse white bread, butter, and jam for a unique sandwich experience.
Ricotta salata is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a punch of flavour and a striking visual element. Experiment with different amounts and pairings to find your favourite way to use this delicious cheese!
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Other cheese alternatives
A 2-tablespoon serving of ricotta salata cheese contains 1 gram of carbohydrates. If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, several cheese varieties can replace this famous Italian cheese.
Feta Cheese
Feta is a brined cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a tangy and salty flavour, similar to ricotta salata. Feta also has a similar texture to ricotta salata, but its flavour profile is much stronger and saltier. When using feta as a substitute, consider reducing the quantity or combining it with milder cheeses.
Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano has a robust flavour and a similar texture to ricotta salata. It is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk and aged for several months, resulting in a rich, salty, and slightly nutty flavour. When using Pecorino Romano as a substitute, remember that its bold flavour can overpower the dish, so adjust the quantities accordingly.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months. While its texture differs from ricotta salata, it can still be used as a substitute in some dishes. Parmesan has a rich, nutty, and slightly fruity flavour, offering a pleasant umami taste.
Manouri Cheese
Manouri is a Greek cheese made from leftover whey during feta cheese production. It has a semi-soft nature that makes it easy to crumble, grate, or slice. Manouri is creamier than ricotta salata and has a tangy flavour similar to Greek yogurt and a citrus aftertaste. This versatile cheese can help balance the sweetness of other ingredients in your recipes.
Cottage Cheese
Low-curd or small-curd cottage cheese is an excellent low-fat, low-calorie substitute for ricotta salata. It is made from cow's milk and has a more watery texture due to its higher whey content. To achieve a similar texture to ricotta salata, you can drain the cottage cheese through a fine-mesh colander lined with paper towels or cheesecloth for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Ricotta salata is a firm, salted Italian cheese made from sheep's milk whey. One ounce of ricotta salata contains 8% carbs, which equates to around 6-7g of carbohydrates.
One ounce of ricotta salata contains between 70 and 90 calories.
In addition to its carbohydrate and calorie content, ricotta salata is composed of 72% fat and 20% protein.
