New Year is a time of miracles, joy and meetings with the dearest people. at the holiday table shouldThere are dishes that not only taste, but also create an atmosphere of sophistication and warmth. In this article, we have collected proven recipes, expert advice and answers to the most common questions about compiling the New Year’s menu 2026.
Content
Trends New Year’s menu in 2026
This year’s festive cooking is developing in the direction of harmony of traditions and modernity. Recipes with minimal processing of products, bright colors and exquisite design of dishes become the main trends. Offer MClear, fish and vegetarian options for everyone to find something to taste.
Popular destinations in the festive kitchen 2026:
- Healthy alternatives – Modern housewives replace traditional mayonnaise with yogurt and avocado in salads
- Bright tastes – Adding citrus fruits, pomegranates, berries for a visual effect
- Simple but spectacular dishes – Recipes that are prepared quickly, but look luxurious
- Local ingredients – use of Ukrainian seasonal products – mushrooms, pumpkins, roots
The structure of the perfect New Year’s menu
The holiday table should be varied and balanced. Here is a recommended structure that will satisfy all guests:
Snacks and salads – Light, refreshing recipes that are prepared in advance and laid out on the table first. These are the first impressions of the guests from your celebration.
Main dishes – MClear, fish and vegetable options that are prepared shortly before serving. The main dishes form the basis of the festive evening.
Side dishes – Baked potatoes, pasta, vegetables that complement the main dishes.
Desserts – Sweet dishes, fruits, jams, which are served at the end of the celebration.
Potables – Hot and cold options, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Detailed recipes for the New Year’s table 2026
Snack 1: Miniature shrimp tartlets and cream cheese
What is it used for: Elegant cold appetizer, which is prepared in 20 minutes and makes a refined impression.
Ingredients required:
- 24 Ready tartlets (wheat-coconut or wheat)
- 200 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 400 g of shrimp (boiled, peeled)
- 2 tbsp. Premium quality olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Thin zucchini or fresh cucumber
- Fresh dill and parsley for decoration
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step by step cooking instructions:
- Preparation of shrimp. Fill the shrimp with hot water, let them warm for 2-3 minutes. Dry on a paper towel – this is very important for proper frying.
- Frying shrimp. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet. Add chopped garlic, fry for 30 seconds until the aroma appears (but do not let it burn).
- Frying the main ingredient. Add the shrimp, fry for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat. Pour lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cool.
- Preparation of cream-cheese base. In a clean bowl combine mWhat cream cheese with half the lemon juice, add a pinch of salt and white pepper to taste. If the cream cheese is too thick, dilute it with milk or cream.
- Filling tartlets. Using a pastry bag or spoon, fill each tartlet with cream cheese by about half.
- final design. Put on top of each tartlet on shrimp, garnish with a thin slice of zucchini and fresh herbs (dill and parsley).
- Cooling and feed. Serve immediately or cool in the refrigerator until the time of serving (no more than 2 hours so that the tartlets do not swell).
Expert advice for a perfect result: If the tartlets swell prematurely from the cream cheese, store them without filling in an airtight container, and fill with cream cheese and shrimp just before the celebration. This will ensure the crispness and freshness of the snack.
Snack 2: Wreath salad with ham and cheese with mold
What is it used for: A non-standard, exquisite salad that has an impressive visual effect and combines several taste chords.
Ingredients required:
- 200 g of arugula or mixed leaf lettuce premium quality
- 200 g of boiled chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
- 100 g of ham in the thread (thin looms, exquisite)
- 100 g of cheese with mold (for example, Camembert, Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
- 1 ripe pear (Mwhich, with good taste)
- 50 g of nuts (walnuts, pecans or almonds)
- 3 tbsp. premium olive oil (cold frying)
- 1 tbsp. of the highest quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey mustard (or ordinary grain mustard)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step by step cooking instructions:
- Preparation of ingredients. Rinse and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly – moisture dramatically reduces the quality of the snack.
- Cutting components. Chicken fillet cut into thin, smooth clots. Cut the pear in half, remove the core and cut into thin slices.
- Processing of nuts. Finely chop the nuts or break with your hands – it adds texture and curiosity.
- Preparation of refueling. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey mustard. Add a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
- Composition on a plate. On a large round white or dark plate, spread the arugula in the center, forming a nest. This technique creates the visual center of the composition.
- Alternation of components. Around the salad, like a bracelet, alternate chips of chicken fillets, ham and pear slices. This creates a pleasant visual effect.
- Adding cheese. Put gray with mold in small pieces in the center of the composition – it should contrast with other components.
- final design. Pour the dressing, sprinkle with nuts, add sea salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with trace elements of fresh greens.
Expert advice for a perfect result: This is an easily adapted dish for vegetarians – just replace chicken and ham with baked pumpkin, avocado or fried small onions. The cheese will leave a delicious taste.
Main course: Chicken in peanut sauce garnished with beans
What is it used for: MWhat, juicy, with an unusual taste of chicken, which will become the central element of your holiday table.
Ingredients for chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs (with peel, it is important for juiciness)
- 250 ml of natural peanut paste (no sugar)
- 200 ml of homemade hot chicken broth
- 3 tbsp. soy sauce (quality, dark)
- 2 tbsp. honey mustard or brown mustard
- 2 ripe garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt, freshly ground pepper and cayenne pepper to taste
Ingredients for a side dish of beans:
- 600 g of fresh green beans (green, young)
- 2 tbsp. Premium quality butter
- 3 cloves of garlic (cut)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Sea salt for the final taste
Step by step instructions for chicken:
- Preparing the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C with convection for more even baking).
- Frying chicken. In a hot pan with coconut oil, fry the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. Takes about 4-5 minutes on each side. This creates a taste base.
- Transfer to the roaster. Transfer the fried chicken to a roaster or deep protrusion.
- Cooking the sauce in the same pan. In the same pan where the chicken was fried, fry the chopped garlic for 30 seconds until the aroma appears (do not burn!).
- Adding the main components of the sauce. Add the peanut paste, gradually pour over the hot chicken broth, stirring constantly. The sauce should be smooth and homogeneous.
- Adding taste and depth. Add soy sauce, honey mustard and lemon juice. Stir very well until the sauce is smooth.
- Consistency check. If the sauce is too thick, dilute it with additional broth. If too liquid, add more peanut paste.
- Roasting chicken. Fill the chicken with the prepared sauce so that it covers mabout halfway.
- Baking time. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes with a lid or foil. The chicken should be easily torn by a fork.
- Readiness check. MThe meat should be easily separated from the bone when the twist is pressed with a fork.
Step by step instructions for garnish with beans:
- Preparation of beans. Rinse the beans with cold water, remove the ends and any imperfections.
- Heating dishes. Heat the butter in a pan over high heat until a light foam appears.
- Frying garlic. Add the cut garlic cloves, fry for 5-10 seconds on high heat.
- Fast frying of beans. Add green beans, quickly fry for 3-4 minutes on high heat, stirring constantly. The beans should remain crispy, not mwhich.
- Adding taste. Drizzle with lemon juice, salt to taste.
- Serving. Serve hot chicken for best taste experience.
Expert advice for a perfect result: If the peanut paste is too thick, dilute it with broth gradually to the desired consistency. Check the taste of the sauce for salinity, as soy sauce already contains salt – be careful with the addition of sprat.
Main course: Salmon in creamy sauce with orange
What is it used for: A tender, elegant fish dish that looks luxurious and expensive, although it is amazingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients required:
- 6 salmon fillets (150-180 g each, fresh or high quality freezing)
- 200 ml of cream (35% fat – very important for a gourmet sauce)
- Juice and zest of 1 large juicy orange
- 100 ml of dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling – optional, but recommended)
- 2 tbsp. capers (cut)
- 2 tbsp. Premium quality olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- Fresh dill and parsley for decoration
- Sea salt and white pepper to taste
Step by step cooking instructions:
- Preparing the oven. Preheat the oven to 200 ° C. Wipe the baking dish with olive oil or line with parchment.
- Preparing the fish. Spread the salmon fillets onto the prepared form. Salt and pepper each fillet with white pepper.
- Preparation of orange sauce. In a medium pan, heat the olive oil, add the chopped garlic.
- Adding wine. Fill with white wine, let it evaporate for 1 minute over medium heat. This removes excessive alcohol.
- Creating a cream base. Add cream, orange juice and orange peel. Stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
- Adding capers and greens. Add capers and half of fresh greens. Try salt and pepper.
- Iron fish with sauce. Fill the salmon with the prepared sauce so that it covers the fish about half.
- Baking. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 200 ° C. The salmon should be mHow under a fork, but not overcooked.
- Readiness check. The easiest way to check is that the fork should easily enter the center of the fillet.
- Decoration when serving. When serving, decorate the rest of the fresh greens and slices of orange.
Expert advice for a perfect result: Do not overdry the fish – it cooks very quickly on high temperatures. Check the readiness with a fork 2-3 minutes before the end of the baked time. The fish should remain a little pink in the center – this guarantees its juiciness.
Salad: a modern interpretation of the classic ‘Olsthere is”
What is it used for: A new look at the favorite recipe for many, which is relevant for a modern healthy kitchen.
Ingredients required:
- 400 g of boiled chicken breasts (cut into equal cubes)
- 200 g of cooked vegetables (carrots, potatoes – cut into equal cubes)
- 3 large boiled eggs (peeled and chopped)
- 1 ripe avocado (sliced into equal cubes – add at the last minute)
- 150 g of fresh cucumber (cut into equal cubes)
- 100 g of natural herring without skin (chopped)
- 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
- 3-4 tbsp. homemade mayonnaise or natural buckwheat yogurt (0% fat)
- 1 tbsp. Grainy mustard (for added taste)
- Sea salt, white pepper to taste
- Fresh dill and parsley for decoration and flavor
Step by step cooking instructions:
- Preparation of all ingredients. Make sure all the ingredients are cut into equal cubes – this creates a visual harmony of the salad.
- Mixing the main components. In a large bowl, mix the cooked mYaso, vegetables and fresh cucumber.
- Adding fish and onions. Add chopped herring and finely chopped onions, add half the greens.
- Preparation of dressing. In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the grainy mustard, salt and pepper with white pepper.
- Mixing components with dressing. Carefully fill the salad with dressing, mix carefully so as not to crush the ingredients.
- Adding avocado. At the last moment, add the sliced avocado and mix carefully.
- Final composition. Transfer to a beautiful salad bowl, crucify, sprinkle with parsley and dill.
- the final decoration. Decorate the eggs with slices, placing them decoratively on top.
Expert advice for a perfect result: You can mix the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crispy. Store avocados and eggs separately and add at the last moment. If you cook in advance, keep in the refrigerator with a closed container.
Garnish: baked potatoes with herbs and olive oil
What is it used for: A simple but refined side dish that perfectly complements any ma clear dish.
Ingredients required:
- 1 kg of new potatoes (cut in half lengthwise or cut into wedges)
- 4 tbsp. Premium quality olive oil
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 6 whole cloves of garlic (not chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step by step cooking instructions:
- Preparing the oven. Preheat the oven to 200 ° C. Line the parchment parchment.
- Preparation of potatoes. Rinse the potatoes under cold water, dry well with a paper towel. Humidity will interfere with baking.
- Mixing ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic and oregano.
- Seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Decomposition into nasty. Spread the potatoes on the prepared protrusion in one layer. This is very important – one layer provides suggestion and even baking.
- Baking with stirring. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
- Readiness check. Potatoes are ready when it is easily pierced with a knife and has a golden crust.
- Decoration when serving. When serving, decorate with fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme) for aesthetic effect.
Expert advice for a perfect result: If you keep the potatoes in cold, salted water for 30 minutes before baking, it will be more mwhich is inside and crispy on the outside.
Dessert: Elegant jelly in layers
What is it used for: A low-calorie, trimmed dessert that looks like real art and easy to prepare.
Ingredients required:
- 3 packages of jelly (different colors: red, green, yellow or orange)
- 200 ml of cream (35% fat, chilled)
- 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
- 15 g of gelatin (tasteless)
- 90 ml of hot water (for gelatin)
- 50 ml of cold water (for gelatin)
- Glass cups or elegant vases for serving
Step by step cooking instructions:
- Preparation of jelly according to the instructions. Prepare each jelly separately, following the instructions on the package (usually 1 liter of hot water plus cold water).
- The first layer of jelly. Pour the first layer of jelly (red) into the cups at about 1/3 of the height. Cool in the refrigerator to a semi-solid state (approximately 30-40 minutes).
- The second and third layers. Repeat with the second and third colors, waiting for the previous layer to gain the correct consistency. This creates a beautiful multi-layered effect.
- Preparation of gelatin for cream. Dissolve the gelatin in hot water, stir well, add cold water, cool to room temperature (it is important that it is not hot).
- Whipping cream. Whip the chilled cream with powdered sugar to mwhich peaks. Cream should form mWhat foam.
- Adding gelatin to the cream. Gradually add the chilled gelatin to the cream, stirring the trees carefullywith a spoon so as not to break the foam.
- the final layer. On top of the last layer of jelly, lay out the cream cream with a pastry bag or spoon.
- Final cooling. Cool in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
- Serving. Serve chilled with fine decorations (coconut flakes, nuts or sugar balls).
Expert advice for a perfect result: You can use ready-made silicone molds in the form of stars or Christmas trees for a greater holiday effect and easy removal of dessert from the mold.
Practical tips for compiling and serving New Year’s table
Planning the New Year’s menu
Determine the number of guests and choose from 8-10 dishes to ensure variety. Recommended proportion: 2-3 snacks, 2-3 main dishes, 2-3 side dishes, 1-2 desserts and various drinks.
Prepare half of the dishes (salads, cold snacks) in advance – this reduces the working day on the day of the celebration. MPrepare clear and fish dishes last before serving so that they stay hot and fresh.
Write a detailed list of all ingredients and buy 2-3 days before the celebration. This prevents stress and ensures the quality of the products.
The best composition of the holiday table
Arrange the dishes so that guests do not have to revise. Place snacks and cold dishes on the edges of the table – they serve as the beginning of the celebration. In the center of the table, place hot main dishes in beautiful roasters or on huge plates.
Place the side dishes near the main dishes for the convenience of guests. Place drinks and bowls with water in easily accessible places. Serve desserts and coffee after main dishes – it creates a structured, pleasant course of celebration.
Calculation of OBPortion capacity per person
For one guest, count: 150-200 g of snacks (if there are many dishes on the table), 200-250 g of main course, 100-150 g of garnish, 100-150 g of salad, 50-100 G dessert.
For a company of 8-10 people, prepare 1.5-2 kg of snacks, 2-3 kg of main dishes, 1-1.5 kg of side dishes. Always cook 10-15% more than expected – guests often eat more during the celebration.
Decoration and presentation of the New Year’s table
Use bright vegetables and greens for decoration – tomatoes, oilseeds, parsley, dill. Serve dishes in good dishes – it makes even a simple recipe to look luxurious.
Surprisingly decorate the table with candles, napkins in festive colors and themed decorations. This creates an atmosphere of celebration and joy.
Frequently asked questions about New Year’s menu 2026
Question 1: How to cook a New Year’s table as far as possible?
The answer is: You can prepare in advance:
2-3 days before the celebration: Cold snacks such as pâtés, cheese plates, slices of vegetables and fruits. They are well stored in airtight containers.
In 1 day: Salads without sauces and avocados. Prepare the dressings separately and mix immediately before serving. Cream desserts can be prepared in 1-2 days – they will be even tastier.
On the day of the celebration: MPrepare clear and fish hot dishes 2-3 hours before the celebration. Cook baked vegetables and side dishes in 1-2 hours. Hot dishes can be stored in the oven at a temperature of 60-70 ° C.
Question 2: How to diversify the New Year’s menu for vegetarians and vegans?
The answer is: Offer:
Vegetable protein salads: Avocados, nuts, seeds (sesame, pumpkin seeds). Salad with chickpeas and red onions.
Baked vegetable assorted: Eggplant, pepper (red, yellow), tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms. Bake with olive oil, garlic and herbs.
Risotto with mushrooms and truffle oil: A classic Italian dish that vegetarians adore.
Cheese plate with various types of cheese: Camembert, parmesan, gorgonzola, brick with nuts and honey.
Fresh and dried fruits: Apples, pears, pomegranates, dried apricots – can be served as a light dessert.
Walnut pate: Mix the roasted nuts, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.
Question 3: How to keep dishes hot during a long celebration?
The answer is:
Preparing the dishes: Use warm plates – rub them in hot water 10 minutes before serving.
Covering dishes: MKeep clear dishes in the oven at a temperature of 60-70 ° C under cover or foil.
Water bath: Use baker’s bowls with hot water under the main dish with the dish – the water generates heat.
Bowls with a special bottom: Some feeders have a double bottom for thermoregulation.
Question 4: How much time to spend cooking a New Year’s table for 8-10 people?
The answer is:
Preparation and procurement: 3-4 hours (list of ingredients, frying, selection of products).
Cooking: 6-8 hours (locating the task in time – parallel cooking of different dishes).
Table decoration: 1-2 hours (serving, location of the deco, final touches).
Total time: 10-14 hours. We recommend that you start cooking 2 days before the celebration, sharing tasks.
Question 5: What to cook if you don’t have time critically?
The answer is:
Quick recipes for 30-45 minutes:
- Baked fish with vegetables (15 minutes of active time)
- Salads from ready-made components (without cooking and nose)
- Cold snacks without heat treatment (cuts, pâtés)
- Ready-made frozen shrimp and fish
External assistance:
- Buy ready-made desserts at a good pastry shop
- Order delivery of ready meals in a popular restaurant
- Invite guests to bring your favorite dishes – this is a tradition in many sevenyah
Question 6: How to accurately calculate the amount of food for the celebration?
The answer is:
For one guest, count:
- Snacks: 150-200 g (if there are many dishes on the table)
- The main mClear dish: 200-250 g
- Garnish: 100-150 g
- Salad: 100-150 g
- Dessert: 50-100 g
- Drinks: 100-150 ml (not including water)
General formula for 10 people:
- Snacks: 1.5-2 kg
- Main dishes: 2-2.5 kg
- Garnishes: 1-1.5 kg
- Salads: 1-1.5 kg
- Desserts: 0.5-1 kg
- Drinks: 1-1.5 liters (excluding water)
Recommendation: Always cook 10-15% more, especially snacks – they end the most quickly on the celebration.
Question 7: How to harmoniously combine alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the celebration?
The answer is:
For snacks and light meals: Serve a light white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Risl), champagne or mimosa. This refreshes the palate.
to MClear dishes: Red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot). This complements the taste of mYasa.
For fish dishes: dry white wine or champagne.
Universal options: Mulled wine (hot, fragrant drink) and lemonade based on zest and berries – they do not conflict with any food.
Non-alcoholic options: Always have fresh, chilled water on the table. This is very important for healthI am guests.
Hot drinks: Serve coffee and tea after main dishes – this is a traditional practice.
Question 8: How to keep vegetables and salads fresh and crispy effectively?
The answer is:
Preparation of ingredients: Rinse and dry the greens thoroughly before slicing. Humidity reduces the period of freshness.
Component storage: Store in airtight containers at the bottom of the refrigerator (there is the highest humidity).
Mixing salads: Do not mix the salad ingredients in advance – it removes crisp.
Filling: Add the dressing just before serving.
Feeding vessel: Use chilled dishes to serve salads.
Question 9: How to cook fish so that it does not slip and stay mscaffolding?
The answer is:
Golden Rule: Do not digest the fish – it cooks very quickly (12-15 minutes in the oven at 200 ° C).
Choice of fish: Use fish of the same thickness so that it is cooked evenly.
Baking method: Cover the fish with foil during baking – this retains moisture.
Readiness check: Use a fork: mThe salmon should be easily divided, but remain a little pink in the center.
Aromatic additives: Wrap the fish in herbs (rosemary, thyme) and vegetables (tomatoes, garlic) – it adds flavor and moisture.
Question 10: What ingredients can be replaced in the proposed recipes without loss of quality?
The answer is:
| The original ingredient | Alternative replacement |
|---|---|
| Peanut paste | Cashew pasta, sunflower seeds, almond oil |
| Cream (ordinary) | Coconut Cream, Oatmeal Cream (for vegans) |
| Butter | olive oil, coconut oil |
| Orange | Lemon, lime, grapefruit |
| Shrimp | mussels, white fish (flounder, pike perch), combs |
| Chicken | turkey, beef, pork, tofu (for vegans) |
| Cheese with mold | Gorgonzola, Camembert, Emmental, Parmesan |
| Salmon | Trout, file, omul (other fatty fish) |
| Capers | Oils, pickles |
| Rosemary | Thyme, sage, oregano |
Final recommendations for a perfect celebration
New Year’s table 2026 is an opportunity to combine traditional, favorite flavors with modern culinary trends and innovations. Do not forget about the main thing: a holiday table is not a competition for the most beautiful dish, but an opportunity to gather with the closest and dearest people, to sum up the year with gratitude and joy.
Choose the recipes you like best, cook with ease and loveyu, divide cooking with sevenher and friends. Your holiday evening will be unforgettable, and an exquisite table will tell about your care and warmth.
Remember that dishes cooked with a whole heart taste best. The atmosphere of the celebration is created not only by the taste of food, but also by the warmth around the table, the sincerity of communication and the joy of joint leisure.
Happy New Year 2026! May your holiday table be filled with various tastes of joy, and home – warmth, harmony and boundless loveYu. May this New Year bring you and your loved ones healthyI am, happiness, success and unforgettable memories.