As the winter holidays approach, many families in Spain start thinking about their festive table. For some, cooking is a cherished tradition; for others, it’s an unnecessary hassle. This year, the supermarket chain Mercadona has once again decided to make life easier for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still wish to delight their loved ones with exquisite dishes.
The “Listo para comer” section now offers a range of ready-made dishes tailored to different tastes and group sizes. New arrivals include canapé sets, meat delicacies, fish, and even classic Spanish appetizers. All dishes can be ordered in advance and picked up in-store at your convenience.
Festive Appetizers
To kick off the celebration, Mercadona offers a canapé set designed for four people. It includes tartlets with shrimp in garlic sauce, as well as options with goat cheese and caramelized onion. The price for this set is €15. For larger gatherings, there’s a seafood salad appetizer for six, also at €15. However, it’s worth noting that this salad is not available in all regions; for example, you won’t find it in Galicia.
Those who prefer individually portioned dishes can choose stuffed chicken thigh with truffle sauce (€15 per portion), braised beef cheek (€20), or a portioned lamb shoulder (€27). For two people, there’s a quarter roast suckling pig for €50. In some stores in Galicia, you can find a traditional dish—cod with green shoots and potatoes—made for two and priced at €33.
Regional Offerings
In certain regions, the range of offerings has been expanded. For example, in the provinces of Valencia, Castellón, Teruel, Cuenca, on the Balearic Islands, and in Alicante, you can buy a set of mini Spanish tortillas for four for 15 euros. In Andalusia, specifically in Almería, Granada, and Jaén, fried pork loin with Pedro Ximénez sauce is available—a dish for four costs 30 euros.
Each of these dishes can be ordered in advance, so you don’t have to worry about your holiday menu at the last minute. Orders for Christmas are accepted until December 20, and for New Year’s—until December 27. On certain dates just before the holidays, a special counter with assistants will be available in stores to help customers choose and place their orders.
Convenience and ordering deadlines
Mercadona has made sure the purchasing process is as easy as possible. For Christmas Eve dinner, dishes can be ordered until December 20, and for New Year’s—the deadline is December 27. On December 23 and 24, as well as December 30 and 31, assistants will be available at a special counter in stores, where you can get advice and place your order on the spot.
This approach helps you avoid the last-minute rush at the end of the year and ensures your festive table is set without extra hassle. It’s important to note that the selection may vary by region, so check the availability of specific dishes at your nearest store.
