What to cook for New Year 2026: dishes that will bring good luck in the year of the Red Fire Horse

The New Year's table is an important part of the celebration, filled with symbols and meanings. Find out which dishes and table decorations are considered auspicious for welcoming 2026, the Year of the Red Fire Horse, and how to create an atmosphere of abundance and harmony

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The New Year 2026 according to the Eastern calendar will be marked by the Red Fire Horse — a symbol of strength, energy, freedom, movement, and inner passion. It is believed that if you welcome the year in harmony with the character of its symbol, it will bring you more luck, inspiration, and prosperity. That is why it is recommended to approach the New Year's menu consciously — not only in terms of taste, but also symbolism.

We will tell you what dishes to put on the festive table in 2026, what is better to avoid, and how to arrange the dinner so that the Horse will “like” it.

What should the New Year's table be like in the Year of the Horse?

The horse is a herbivorous animal by nature, so the main principle of the festive table is lightness, naturalness, and variety. The focus should be on vegetables, fruits, greens, grains, and cereals. It is desirable to make the table abundant, but not heavy — without an excess of fatty and meat dishes.

The appearance of the food also plays an important role. The symbol of the year favors simple, homemade recipes prepared with love. Bright colors, fresh greens, appetizing presentation, and natural ingredients all work to create the right mood.

A special emphasis is placed on greens. It is recommended to add them to literally every dish: salads, hot dishes, appetizers, and even table decorations.

Appetizers: light, bright, and natural

Simple but varied appetizers are suitable for the beginning of a festive dinner:

● vegetable platters made from fresh seasonal vegetables;

● lavash rolls with vegetables, cheese, or greens;

● canapes with vegetables, fish, or cheese;

● homemade marinated mackerel;

● fruit assortments.

Appetizers should be light and not overloaded with sauces — the Horse appreciates the natural taste of food.

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Hot dishes: without excessive heaviness

Main dishes for New Year's Eve 2026 should be chosen so that they are nutritious but not too fatty:

● baked chicken or turkey with vegetables;

● fish baked with herbs and lemon;

● goose or duck with apples and prunes;

● vegetable stew;

● vegetable casseroles;

● pilaf.

Vegetables can be prepared in any form — baked, stewed, or fresh. It is recommended to use potatoes in moderation and instead focus on a variety of vegetable combinations.

Salads: more greens and light dressings

There should be plenty of salads on the table, but they should not be “heavy.” Classic recipes can be adapted:

● add apple to Olivier salad;

● prepare Greek salad;

● make Pomegranate Bracelet salad;

● mackerel salad with rice and vegetables;

● salads with chicken and greens.

It is better to avoid store-bought mayonnaise. Instead, sour cream, unsweetened yogurt, or homemade mayonnaise are suitable.

Drinks and desserts: fruit and natural ingredients

Recommended drinks include compotes, juices, fruit drinks, and fruit cocktails. Desserts should be light and colorful: fruit salads, jellies, pies with berries and fruit, and no-bake pastries, such as “Shishki.”

Any fruit and berries are suitable, but red shades are especially welcome: apples, pomegranates, red grapes. Nuts can be added to taste.

How to decorate the table in the style of the Red Fire Horse

Table decoration is no less important than the menu. Recommendations:

● colors: green, brown, beige shades with golden accents;

● materials: wood, linen, cotton, ceramics;

● decor: coniferous compositions, pine cones, candles, tangerines.

The overall atmosphere should be warm, natural, and welcoming. According to superstitions, this kind of energy will help you enter 2026 with a sense of harmony, stability, and inner strength.

We remind you! New Year is celebrated differently in different regions of Ukraine. Read about ancient rituals, festive dishes, and unique traditions that have been preserved to this day.

Photo: shutterstock

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