Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) – Easy 20-Minute

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta) Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare — ready in about 15–20 minutes from start to finish.
• Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can find year-round.
• Balances salty, sweet, and bright flavors to complement rich mains like turkey or pork.

A Little Background

This style of warm pea salad is a modern twist on classic holiday side dishes. Combining salty, crisp pancetta with sweet pear and tender peas brings texture and flavor contrast to the plate. It’s the kind of recipe that feels festive without fuss — perfect for seasons when you want something elegant but uncomplicated.

Key Ingredients for perfect Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

• Frozen peas: Tender, quick-cooking base that retains bright color and sweetness.
• Pancetta: Provides savory, crispy bites; swap for bacon if needed.
• Ripe pear: Adds juicy sweetness and gentle texture contrast when lightly warmed.
• Shallot (or onion): Delicate aromatic that mellows as it sautés.
• Lemon juice & zest: Brightens the dish and balances richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions to make Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)

1. Prepare ingredients: thaw frozen peas under cold water and drain well; dice the pancetta and pear; finely chop the shallot and mince a clove of garlic.
2. Cook the pancetta: warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced pancetta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it renders fat and becomes crisp (about 5–7 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté aromatics: in the reserved pancetta fat, add the chopped shallot and cook over medium heat until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add pear and peas: stir in the diced pear and cook briefly (1–2 minutes) to warm and slightly soften. Add the drained peas and toss to combine, heating through until the peas are tender but still bright.
5. Finish and season: remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, a little lemon zest, and a knob of butter or a splash of olive oil for sheen. Fold the crispy pancetta back in, season with salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
6. Serve warm: transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately alongside your main course.

Pro Tips & Variations

• For extra crispness, drain pancetta well and blot with paper towels before adding back to the dish.
• Storage: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve texture.
• Vegetarian option: replace pancetta with smoked mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a similar savory note.

Serving Suggestions

These Thanksgiving peas pair beautifully with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, or a simple roast pork. Serve alongside buttery dinner rolls and a crisp white wine or sparkling cider for a balanced holiday plate.