Name: Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Turkey Strips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ pound fresh turkey strips; 3 medium shallots, sliced; 16 ounces frozen peas (or fresh peas); 1 pear, peeled, sliced, and diced; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adjust to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Introduction

This Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Turkey Strips dish is a fresh and flavorful side that combines sweet pears with savory turkey. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect, colorful addition to your holiday table or any weeknight meal.

A close-up of a metal bowl filled with a fresh pea salad showing bright green peas as the main layer, scattered with small pieces of crispy bacon that add a dark red-brown color and rough texture. Mixed in are small wedges of light yellow pear, shining with a smooth surface, and sprinkled finely chopped herbs in dark green that add freshness and depth to the top. The metal bowl reflects light softly and sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ pound turkey strips (use fresh turkey strips for better flavor)
3 medium shallots
16 ounces frozen peas (fresh peas can be substituted)
1 pear (peeled, sliced, and diced)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adjust to taste)
1 lemon (juiced and zested)
½ cup parsley
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the pear by peeling, slicing, and dicing it. Toss the diced pear with lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside to prevent browning.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey strips until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Add sliced shallots to the skillet and cook for about one minute until softened, then stir in the Dijon mustard.
Step 4: Stir in the peas and diced pears. Cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through, about five minutes.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Add half of the cooked turkey strips along with the parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining turkey strips, garnish with lemon zest, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Substitute fresh peas if available for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor.
Add a splash of white wine before adding the peas for extra depth.
Use fresh thyme or tarragon in place of parsley for a different herbal note.
For a vegan variation, replace turkey strips with sautéed mushrooms or tempeh.

Storage

Store leftover peas and turkey strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of lemon juice or water to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the turkey strips from drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with fresh green peas as the main layer, mixed with small, irregular chunks of yellow and white pear pieces scattered evenly throughout. Small crispy brown bacon bits are spread on top, adding a crunchy texture, along with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled over the entire dish. The bowl is white with a shiny texture, sitting on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey strips?

Yes, chicken strips work well and can be prepared using the same method as the turkey strips.

Is this dish suitable to prepare ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to cook and combine everything just before serving to keep the peas tender and the turkey juicy.