Remember when the only thing we knew to do with a tub of this tangy cheese was to cook up a batch of lasagna? Times have changed. Today’s nuanced, artisanal versions of ricotta lend a delicate flair to everything from potato salad to homemade ice cream.

Smear leftover part-skim ricotta on bread for a tasty summer sandwich. Nectarines, plums, and cherries also work in this combo.

 

Sweeten ricotta with fruit. For the best texture, freeze the ice cream in a shallow, flat container.

Need picnic grub? This zippy summer favorite tastes great warm or chilled.

 

Toast need not be boring: Adding part-skim ricotta cheese and a few tasty toppings transforms it into a simple, satisfying breakfast. Part-skim ricotta has significantly less sodium than cottage cheese, a common breakfast bite.

Top shaved summer squash with fresh ricotta for a healthy summer dish.

No fear here: The French classic goes fuss-free (and tres light), with fresh ricotta providing the creaminess rather than traditional bechamel sauce. 

Swap sour cream for part-skim ricotta in this healthier baked potato.

Top beet-tinted farro spaghetti with dollops of fresh ricotta for a wholesome meal.

For dessert, low-fat ricotta sweetened with honey is surprisingly rich and decadent, and it won't leave you feeling uncomfortably full.

This deconstructed lasagna is not only healthful but quick to make. The noodles aren't baked under heavy layers of cheese and sauce -- just dressed with tomatoes, basil, and ricotta right after being boiled.

Serve this rich, zesty combo as a warm salad or over pasta for an even heartier dish.

Top slices of rustic bread with fresh ricotta, chopped sweet cherries, and lemon zest.

Make a fresh, sinless summer tart with ricotta and organic blueberries.

Top whole-wheat pitas with apricots, toasted almonds, and honey for a fiber-rich snack.

Lightly sauteed greens and ricotta transform a standard egg-and-toast breakfast into a special morning meal that could also serve as a light supper.

In this dessert, ricotta holds the berries in place while providing a wonderfully creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor.

Turn pita bread into a pizza with the help of ricotta, leeks, and mushrooms.

Part-skim ricotta keeps calories at bay; spinach and bulgur deliver antioxidants and fiber. The complex carbs in pasta boost serotonin, the mood-stabilizing neurochemical.