If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that will steal the show at your Thanksgiving dinner, look no further! These Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) are a staple in my kitchen. They combine the sweetness of pears with crispy turkey strips and vibrant green peas, all tied together with a light, zesty lemon-Dijon mustard flavor. This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

This dish brings together comfort and flavor in a way that feels special but remains simple enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a cozy dinner at home, these Thanksgiving Peas make every meal feel like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: The steps are straightforward, making it easy to follow along and create this delicious dish without stress.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet taste of pears combined with hearty turkey strips and peas, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests on the big day.
Festive Flavor: The bright colors and flavors not only enhance your Thanksgiving table but also bring warmth and joy to your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious dish, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to make these Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips):

½ pound turkey strips (cut into small dice)
3 medium shallots (halved and thinly sliced; about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
16 ounces frozen peas
1 pear
1 lemon (zested and juiced; about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
½ cup roughly chopped parsley
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

Swap the protein: Use grilled chicken or even tofu instead of turkey strips for a different spin on this dish.
Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Switch the fruit: Try using diced apples or even dried cranberries for a different fruity touch.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end for a richer texture.

How to Make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

Step 1: Prep the Pear

Start by peeling, slicing, and dicing the pear. This adds a lovely sweetness to our dish! Once diced, place it in a small bowl and toss it with lemon juice. This step prevents the pear from browning while adding a bright flavor that enhances our peas.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Strips

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey strips to the pan and cook until they turn golden brown. This browning adds depth to their flavor. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about three tablespoons of fat in the pan; it will help flavor our shallots!

Step 3: Add the Shallots

In the same skillet with leftover fat, add your sliced shallots. Sauté them for about one minute until they soften. Cooking them just right allows their natural sweetness to emerge before stirring in the Dijon mustard.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Pears

Now it’s time for those vibrant peas! Add both the peas and diced pears into the skillet. Stir everything together for about five minutes until heated through—this step melds all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 5: Stir in Turkey Strips and Parsley

Turn off the heat before gently folding in half of your crispy turkey strips along with fresh parsley and black pepper. This adds brightness and freshness right before serving!

Step 6: Serve

Transfer your beautiful Thanksgiving Peas into a large serving bowl. Top with remaining turkey strips and sprinkle some lemon zest over everything for an extra pop of flavor. Your guests will be wowed by this festive side dish!

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving Peas is all about the little details, so here are some tips to elevate your dish!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shallots and ripe pears will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly, giving it a vibrant, seasonal taste that frozen produce simply can’t match.
Don’t overcook the peas: To maintain their bright green color and crisp texture, be sure to only warm the peas through for about 5 minutes. This ensures they remain vibrant and appealing.
Adjust the mustard to your taste: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and gradually add more until it suits your palate. This allows you to control the tanginess in your dish.
Let the flavors meld: After combining all ingredients, let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully, enriching every bite.
Add a splash of color: Consider incorporating additional herbs like chives or dill as they not only add flavor but also make your dish visually appealing with their fresh green hues.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)

When it comes to serving your Thanksgiving Peas, presentation is key! A beautiful serving bowl can turn this simple side into a showstopper on your holiday table.

Garnishes

Chopped walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped walnuts on top adds an appealing crunch along with a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the pears.
Lemon wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their servings for an extra zesty kick.
Fresh parsley sprigs: A few whole sprigs of parsley not only enhance presentation but also provide an aromatic touch that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts: These bring a slightly bitter yet sweet contrast that balances well with the sweet pears and savory turkey strips.
Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort and richness, making them a classic companion for any holiday meal.
Sweet potato casserole: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with this dish’s savory elements, creating a harmonious blend of flavors on your plate.
Green bean almondine: Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds provide both crunch and freshness, making for a delightful textural contrast alongside your Thanksgiving Peas.

With these serving tips and side dish recommendations, you’ll have a stunning Thanksgiving spread that’s sure to impress your family and friends! Enjoy every moment of this festive season.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze portions to enjoy later.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Place any leftovers in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)?

Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used. Just blanch them briefly before adding them to the skillet to ensure they cook evenly.

How do I customize Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips)?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers! You can also swap out parsley for other herbs like thyme or chives to suit your taste.

Can Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) be made vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the turkey strips and substitute with plant-based protein or more veggies for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and turkey strips) is not only a colorful addition to your holiday table but also a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! It’s such a joy to share good food with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—your Thanksgiving feast deserves this special touch!