Carlos Solis
The talisman for 2026 embodies strength, energy, dynamism, and freedom. What dishes should we prepare to welcome the symbolic host of the coming year and win the favor of the Chinese calendar’s hero?
New Year’s Menu
The “right” colors to greet the Red Fiery Horse include red, orange, gold, beige, sandy, brown, and green. For materials, choose wood, ceramics, linen, and cotton. Traditional New Year candles should be surrounded by pine cones and evergreen arrangements. In the decor and setting of the festive table, create an atmosphere of hospitality and natural harmony. A special symbol of abundance and respect for the year’s mascot is a bowl of oats or oatmeal with a piece of sugar placed in the center of the table — a tradition for attracting good fortune.
Pleasing the Red Fiery Horse is not difficult—when pondering what to prepare for New Year 2026, remember what this steed typically enjoys and place those favorites on the festive table. First and foremost, include grains—pilaf or rice with nuts—as a symbol of prosperity. Also include fruits (citrus, pomegranates, apples), plenty of greens, and vegetables such as hummus with peppers, roasted vegetables, and salads with beets, peppers, avocados, arugula, parsley, or celery. When it comes to meat, avoid fatty pork—fat symbolizes stagnant energy, and the Horse loves movement. Of course, horse meat and sausages made from it are strictly off-limits.
Hot dishes can include fish with a vegetable garnish, vegetable stew, vegetable casserole, pilaf, braised rabbit, traditional goose or duck with apples and prunes, or roasted chicken. Appropriate beverages include white or red sparkling wine, mulled wine, compotes, and fruit drinks. Suitable desserts include pumpkin pie, a sea buckthorn roll, cherry or viburnum jelly, apple pie, chocolate, and homemade baked goods made from whole-grain flour. The highlights of the 2026 New Year’s table should feature red, orange, and gold details. Use spices in those colors and favor red and orange berries and fruits in desserts.
Interesting Dishes for New Year
For appetizers, choose vibrant vegetable platters, lavash rolls with vegetables or cheese, various canapés, pastry tartlets with salads, and fruit assortments. A must-have dish is a multi-layered salad arranged in the shape of a horseshoe — a symbol of good luck!
New Year’s Salad “Horseshoe”
If you’re inviting good fortune to your New Year’s table in 2026, do it beautifully and deliciously. This salad looks stunning, is made from simple and familiar ingredients, and disappears from the plate faster than you can make a wish. Chicken, beets, potatoes, and cheese form a familiar but very successful combination; add festive olives for decoration, and the dish becomes a true talisman for your New Year’s table.
Appetizer “Riders on Horses”
This appetizer falls into the “minimum effort, maximum wow” category. Imagine tender prunes wrapped in crispy smoked bacon, served warm and wonderfully aromatic. These bites are perfect for the New Year’s table in 2026 when you want to surprise your guests without spending half the day at the stove. They’re quick to prepare, disappear even faster, and look like you put in a lot of effort (but that’s our little secret).
Elegant Salad with Shrimp and Avocado
When you’re craving something light, stylish, and a bit restaurant-like, this salad is just the ticket. Shrimp, avocado, fresh cucumber, and a bright lime-ginger dressing make it fresh, aromatic, and anything but boring. Serve it in an avocado shell for extra flair; it looks stunning and will definitely draw your guests’ attention. To learn how to assemble this beauty without any hassle, check out the detailed recipe.
Chicken Liver with Pomegranate
Chicken liver with pomegranate is a dish for those who like familiar ingredients presented in a brighter, more festive way. It may seem like ordinary liver with onions, but add pomegranate sauce, a touch of honey, and a handful of ruby seeds—and the flavor transforms. The sweet-and-sour notes make the dish intriguing and aromatic, and its appearance makes it worthy of center stage on your New Year’s table in 2026. Serve it as a hot appetizer or as a main course—either way, chicken liver with pomegranate will find its fans.
