Between the two of us, I’m definitely the more superstitious one. Larissa will roll her eyes (lovingly!) when I make sure we’ve got a pot of black-eyed peas on the stove or insist we eat something green on January 1st. But hey—whether you believe in New Year’s food traditions or not, these plant-based dishes are delicious, nourishing, and a fun way to welcome in a fresh start.
All over the world, people have turned to certain foods to bring prosperity, luck, and health for the year ahead. And while you won’t find pork chops or lobster tails on our list, you will find plenty of veggie-friendly dishes that carry their own good vibes.
In this post, we’re sharing 10 plant-based foods that are considered lucky to eat on New Year’s Day—plus a little history behind each one, and a few recipe ideas to help you plan your celebration.
Note: The recipes are a mix of vegetarian and vegan recipes but can easily be made vegan by swapping out dairy ingredients for plant-based ingredients (ex. plant milk for dairy milk).
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Black-Eyed Peas: A Southern Staple for Prosperity
In the American South, black-eyed peas are practically non-negotiable when it comes to what to eat on New Year’s Day. They’ve been a symbol of luck and prosperity for generations—some say you should eat at least 365 of them to bring good fortune for every day of the year!
The tradition likely traces back to West African and Southern U.S. roots, especially in African American communities. One popular dish is Hoppin’ John, a comforting blend of black-eyed peas, rice, and spices that is often served with greens and cornbread. While some folks include smoked meats, it’s just as flavorful (and totally cozy) made vegetarian or vegan.
Here are a few plant-based black-eyed pea dishes to bring good luck to your table:
- Vegan Hoppin’ John A soulful one-pot meal made with rice, black-eyed peas, onions, and spices. Get our recipe here.
- Black-Eyed Pea Dip Creamy and smoky, perfect for snacking while watching the parade or football. Here’s a recipe from The Pioneer Woman. Make it vegan by subbing vegan cheese for dairy.
- Slow Cooker Smoky Black-Eyed Peas Easy, hearty, and hands-off—just toss everything in and let the flavors mingle. Here’s a recipe from Grown Up Dish that includes vegan options.
Leafy Greens: Eat Your Greens, Get the Green
If you want a year full of financial luck, don’t skip your greens! Leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and cabbage are eaten on New Year’s Day because their folded leaves resemble paper money. It’s said that the more you eat, the more prosperous you’ll be in the new year.
This tradition is especially big in the Southern U.S., where greens are simmered low and slow with seasonings (and sometimes smoked meats—but we leave those out, of course!). Across Europe, cabbage is also served as a lucky dish for wealth and abundance.
Whether you’re hoping for some extra cash flow or just looking for a nutrient-packed start to the year, these green dishes fit the bill:
- Vegan Collard Greens Simmered with garlic, onion, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that tangy Southern flavor. Get our recipe here.
- Sautéed Cabbage with Garlic A quick and simple side that’s big on flavor and fiber. Here’s a recipe from The Savory Vegan.
- Hearty Chickpea and Kale Soup Hearty, warming, and full of
plant-based protein . Check out our recipe here.
Long Noodles : For Long Life and Good Luck
In many Asian cultures, long
The tradition is especially popular in Chinese and Japanese cultures, where dishes like longevity
Plant-based long noodle dishes are not only tasty—they’re comforting and customizable:
- Vegan Ramen Bowl With miso broth, tofu, and plenty of toppings like mushrooms and greens. Get our recipe here.
- Sesame Soba
Noodles Cold or warm, these buckwheatnoodles have a nutty flavor that pairs well with crunchy veggies. Here’s a recipe from Plant-Based On A Budget. - Stir-Fried Lo Mein with Veggies A quick, colorful dish with just the right balance of savory and sweet. Here’s a recipe from Ela Vegan.
Circular Foods: A Symbol of Fullness and Fortune
Round foods are more than just cute on a plate—they’re packed with symbolism. In many cultures, circular shapes represent coins, continuity, and the idea of “coming full circle.” In Spain and Latin America, it’s tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve—one for each stroke of the clock—to bring good luck for every month ahead.
Pomegranates are another popular circular food with roots in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures. Their many seeds are thought to symbolize abundance, fertility, and renewal—perfect themes for the new year.
Here are a few sweet and savory circular bites to add some symbolism (and sparkle) to your New Year’s celebration:
- Pomegranate Pear Sangria A festive and fruity drink loaded with lucky seeds. Here’s a recipe to try from HyVee.
- Vegan Donuts Because who doesn’t want to start the year with a warm, golden ring of joy? Here’s a recipe for classic vegan glazed donuts from Jessica in the Kitchen.
- Wild Rice and Roasted Grapes with Walnuts Sweet, earthy, and perfect for showcasing seasonal fruit. Check out this recipe from Oh My Veggies.
White Rice: A Blank Slate for Prosperity
White rice might seem simple, but it carries a lot of symbolic weight around the world. In Asian cultures, it’s often linked to purity, renewal, and abundance. In the American South—especially in New Orleans—it shows up as the base of lucky dishes like Hoppin’ John or red beans and rice, anchoring a meal that’s meant to start the year off right.
Rice is also a staple in many celebratory and ceremonial dishes globally, making it a fitting way to honor tradition while nourishing your body.
Here are a few vegetarian and vegan white rice dishes to welcome a fresh start:
- Coconut Jasmine Rice Creamy and fragrant, this rice pairs well with spicy or tangy dishes. Get the recipe here.
- Red Beans and Rice A plant-based take on the Southern classic, perfect for layering in your good-luck ingredients. Here’s our recipe.
- Vegan Mushroom Risotto Comforting and indulgent without being heavy, ideal for a cozy January 1st dinner. Here’s our recipe.
Cornbread: Golden Wishes for the New Year
Golden, crumbly, and comforting—cornbread is more than just a Southern side dish. Its sunny color is said to represent gold, making it a symbol of wealth and good fortune when eaten on New Year’s Day. Traditionally served alongside black-eyed peas and greens, it rounds out the Southern “lucky trio” meant to bring money, health, and abundance.
Plus, cornbread is just plain delicious. Whether you bake it in a cast iron skillet or pour it into muffin tins, it’s easy to make plant-based and full of flavor.
Here are a few golden-hued recipes to try:
- Vegan Skillet Cornbread Moist on the inside, crisp on the edges—just how it should be. Here’s a recipe from The Hidden Veggies.
- Jalapeño Corn Muffins You had me at “jalapeno!” A spicy little twist to wake up your taste buds. Here’s a recipe from The Kitchn. Sub vegan versions of the cheese and butter for a vegan version.
- Cornbread Casserole A sweet-savory version that doubles as a side or brunch dish. Here’s a recipe from Belly Full.
Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage: A Crunchy Take on “Green” Luck
OK, to be honest brussels sprouts aren’t my favorite veggie but, in the right recipe, I can eat them.
Much like collards and kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage earn their lucky status thanks to their leafy, green appearance—often likened to folded bills. In many European and American traditions, eating these veggies on New Year’s Day is said to bring financial good fortune in the months ahead.
While cabbage is a winter staple in many cold-weather countries, Brussels sprouts have become a modern holiday favorite, especially when roasted to crispy perfection. Bonus: both are packed with nutrients and fiber to help you kick off the new year feeling good.
Here are a few flavorful ways to serve them:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Sweet, savory, and slightly crispy—always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s a recipe from Garnish and Glaze.
- Cabbage Stir-Fry with Garlic, Ginger, and Chili Quick and full of flavor, great as a side or over rice. Use vegan soy sauce (tamari) to keep it animal-free.Here’s a recipe from Craving California.
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin (Dairy-Free) Creamy, cozy, and perfect for a plant-based feast. Here’s a recipe from Yup, It’s Vegan.
Lentils: Tiny Coins with Big Meaning
In Italy, Brazil, and several other cultures, lentils are eaten on New Year’s Day to bring wealth and abundance. Their round, coin-like shape symbolizes money, and the fact that they plump up when cooked represents growing prosperity. That’s a lot of symbolic bang for such a humble little legume!
Lentils are also an excellent source of
Here are a few hearty vegetarian and vegan lentil recipes to try:
- Lentil and Tomato Soup Rich, warming, and packed with flavor. Check out our recipe here.
- Vegan Lentil Meatballs Great over spaghetti or tucked into a sub roll with marinara. Here’s our recipe.
- Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Comfort food that checks all the boxes for a lucky, satisfying meal. Here’s a recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Nuts and Seeds: Crunchy Symbols of Abundance and Fertility
All around the world,
Even if you’re not big on superstition, adding a few seeds or
Here are a few ideas for your lucky nut-and-seed fix:
- Pomegranate Glazed Tofu Sweet, tangy, and packed with
plant-based protein . Check out this recipe from The Splendid Table. - Fig & Almond Energy Bites A wholesome snack to nibble between meals or on a New Year’s Day hike. Here’s a recipe from The Mediterranean Living.
- Healthy Macadamias Snack Bars Macadamias are some of my favorite
nuts . We’re proud to partner with House of Macadamias to bring you some delicious and healthy snack options.
Tear-and-share breads—like star breads, monkey bread, or wreath-shaped loaves—are more than just beautiful centerpieces. They symbolize unity, sharing, and togetherness, making them a lovely way to start the year surrounded by the people you care about. In some cultures, sweet breads baked in a ring are tied to wishes for joy and community in the year ahead.
You can shape these however you like—into stars, wreaths, or braids—and stuff them with sweet or savory fillings that match your vibe for the day.
Here are some delicious plant-based ideas:
- Pesto Pizza Star Bread A savory pull-apart bread with herby pesto and melty vegan cheese. Here’s a recipe from Plantfully Based.
- Cinnamon Sugar Wreath Bread Like monkey bread, but fancier—perfect for brunch or dessert. Here’s a recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
- Vegan Garlic & Herb Tear-Apart Loaf Fluffy, flavorful, and made for dipping into marinara or a cozy soup. Here’s a recipe from Holy Cow Vegan.
Bonus Tips for a Plant-Based New Year’s Celebration
If you’re planning your first plant-based New Year’s Day menu—or just want to freshen up your traditional table—there are so many fun and festive ways to make it feel special.
- Swap the meat, keep the meaning Dishes like crown roast of pork or beef tenderloin can be replaced with hearty mains like lentil loaf, stuffed squash, or mushroom roasts with caramelized onions and rich mushroom gravy.
- Make it festive A grazing wreath with dips, veggies,
nuts , and crackers adds a wow factor with minimal fuss. Tear-and-share breads and bright salads (like citrusy Brussels sprouts or blood orange fennel) bring color and life to the table. - Don’t forget the drinks Whether it’s a glass of bubbly champagne, a Bloody Mary bar with pickled veggies, or a cozy mug of spiced apple cider vinegar tonic, raise a glass to new beginnings.
If you’re looking to align with your New Year’s resolution, plant-based eating checks all the boxes—compassionate, nourishing, and full of flavor.
Here’s to a Lucky, Delicious Start to the Year!
No matter what traditions you follow, knowing what to eat on New Year’s Day can be a fun way to reflect, celebrate, and set the tone for a joyful year. Whether you’re loading up on greens for prosperity or savoring
Love this recipe? Check out our full collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes for more delicious ideas! And if you’re looking to share your creations (or get inspired by someone else’s), join our closed Facebook Group, The Peas and Carrots Society, a group of non-judgy folks who welcome all! Nothing but good food, good friends, and good fun!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lucky New Year’s Foods
Why do people eat certain foods on New Year’s Day for good luck?
Across cultures, people eat symbolic foods like black‑eyed peas, greens, and long
Are specific foods considered lucky in different cultures?
Yes! Many traditions exist: in Spain and Latin America, eating 12 grapes at midnight is believed to bring luck for each month of the year. Long
Do these lucky foods have to be plant‑based?
Traditionally, many lucky foods—like pork or fish—aren’t plant‑based. However, you can easily adapt the symbolic ingredients with vegetarian or vegan versions (like plant‑based long
How do black‑eyed peas bring good luck for the year?
In the Southern U.S., eating black‑eyed peas on New Year’s Day is believed to bring prosperity. Some say each pea symbolizes a day of good fortune for the coming year. Paired with greens (representing money) and cornbread (representing gold), you get a full plate of symbolic abundance.
Can eating lucky foods really influence the year ahead?
Whether you see it as superstition or ritual, eating symbolic foods can be a meaningful way to celebrate traditions, set intentions, and bring family or community together as you welcome the new year. Many people enjoy the stories and heritage behind these dishes, even if they don’t take the luck literally.
