Updated: Dec. 14, 2023
You betcha we're bringing Dolly's favorite pecan chicken salad to the table this holiday season.
When the Queen of Country tells us to jump, we say how high! So when we heard that Dolly Parton has a favorite holiday season chicken salad, we knew we just had to try it. Like Dolly’s other favorite southern recipes, her pecan chicken salad is rich and flavorful. It’s also as easy as butterscotch pie to make, and it’s sure to bring some southern charm to the table.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s Pecan Chicken Salad
Getty Images, Risa Lichtman for Taste of Home
Ingredients
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- 3 cups diced cooked chicken
- 3 celery stalks
- 1 small onion
- 3/4 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Watercress or greens for plating
Directions
Step 1: Chop the vegetables
Risa Lichtman for Taste of Home
Dice the celery stalks and small onion. Add to a large bowl.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
Risa Lichtman for Taste of Home
Add the following ingredients to the celery and onions: diced chicken, pecans, mayonnaise and mustard. Mix well with a spatula, then use two forks to shred the chicken a bit.
As you’re shredding it, the chicken will incorporate the mayonnaise and mustard better. The more it’s shredded, the less chance of a dry bite.
Step 3: Season and serve
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Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or store for later. It will be good for up to one week. If you’re looking for more famous recipes, learn how to make Jennifer Aniston’s salad.
How to Serve This Chicken Salad
Risa Lichtman for Taste of Home
Dolly’s preferred way to serve her favorite chicken salad is on a bed of watercress, which gives 1970s vibes that still work today. I personally love this classic deli scoop plating, so I used an ice cream scoop to get a round scoop of chicken salad.
For a slightly updated version, I used microgreens. These might be more readily available at your local co-op or grocery store than watercress. Either way, make sure to pair the greens and chicken salad with your favorite bread or crackers for a little something extra.
Here’s What I Thought
Risa Lichtman for Taste of Home
I love a good chicken salad, and this did not disappoint. It’s very simple, but the pecans give it a lovely crunch and slight sweetness that rounds it all out. I added extra mayo (about double the recipe) because I like a wetter chicken salad and also a splash of vinegar to give it a little kick.
If you prefer more goodies in your chicken salad, you could add any of your favorites to this. It would be delicious with grapes or dried cranberries. You could also change it up and add spices to make a curried chicken salad.
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