New Year's table: what to cook for the New Year – 2026

This New Year, nutritionists and chefs advise combining classics with lighter and simpler dishes. In the year of the Fiery Horse, baked meat and fish, crispy vegetables, and homemade pastries, decorated brightly but without frills, are especially appropriate. What to cook for the New Year's table – 2026 — in the Izvestia article.

General principles of the menu – 2026

The "smart" New Year's table remains in trend: fewer heavy mayonnaise salads, more vegetables, herbs and baked dishes instead of fried ones. Experts remind you that an abundance of different positions is not necessary, it is better to make 6-8 thoughtful dishes that go well together and do not overload the stomach.

In 2026, special emphasis will be placed on natural products: fresh and baked vegetables, whole-grain pastries, high-quality meat and fish, nuts, and fruits. This corresponds to both the symbolism of the year and the demand for healthier festive meals.

Snacks: from classics to mini buffet

For snacks, it is recommended to combine traditional dishes with modern cold and hot small-format snacks. A convenient format is mini-servings: canapes, tartlets, rolls, so that guests can try several options at once and not overeat.

You can submit:

• fish snacks: salmon gravlax, tartlets with caviar or cod liver, red fish rolls;​

• cheese and meat plates with nuts and fruits;

• eggs stuffed with pate or caviar, mini pita bread rolls with filling.​

Salads: familiar and "light"

Salads are still the mainstay of the festive table: olivier, herring under a fur coat, mimosa are considered must—have, but increasingly they are made in lighter versions - with less mayonnaise or with yogurt dressing. Salads with herbs, fruits and nuts are in fashion: combinations with apples, tangerines, pomegranate, light sauces based on butter or yogurt.

Popular ideas:

• classic olivier or its variations with duck, crab necks, chicken;​

• puff pastry herring under a fur coat in serving glasses;

• salad with baked pumpkin, herbs and grains;

• salads with tangerines, cheese and nuts in a light dressing.

Hot dishes: poultry, meat, fish

The main hot thing in 2026 is baked poultry or meat, sometimes fish in the oven, decorated in a family format for a large company. Chefs and astrologers advise paying attention to the quality of the meat and the cooking method: herb marinades, whole-piece roasting, and a minimum of heavy sauces.

Most often they choose:

• duck or goose with apples and citruses;

• baked chicken or turkey with herbs and vegetables;

• meat loaf or homemade pork;

• red fish baked with lemon and spices.

Baked potatoes, vegetables, root vegetables, and sometimes cereals like rice or bulgur, served in a simple but flavorful version, are recommended as a side dish.

Desserts and drinks

The dessert part is increasingly built around light homemade pastries and portioned sweets, not just large multi-layered cakes. Mini cakes, cupcakes, mousse desserts in cups, honey and nut sweets, as well as citrus fruits and tangerines as the main fruit of the table are on trend.

For drinks, it is recommended to combine classic alcohol for adults with non-alcoholic options: fruit drinks, compotes, citrus mixes, spicy non-alcoholic mulled wines. It is important that there is enough water and light drinks on the table to make it easier for guests to endure a hearty dinner.​

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.