Mom's Chicken Salad

A Taste of Love: Sharing Mom's Cherished Chicken Salad Recipe

My mom was a beacon in our community. Her hands were always busy, whether she was serving at a funeral, helping with a baby, or wedding shower, or lending a hand at a church event. She was the heart of the ladies' auxiliary, and her presence was synonymous with warmth and delicious food. And of all the dishes she brought, her chicken salad was always the most requested.

It wasn't just a recipe; it was a taste of her love. Every time she brought a bowl of her creamy, flavorful chicken salad, it was met with smiles and grateful hearts. It was a staple at every gathering, a testament to her generosity and her skill in the kitchen.

Mom always said the secret to her chicken salad was simple: love and her recipe tweaks, were her secret ingredients.

"Dark meat has more flavor," she'd say, her eyes twinkling as she stirred. And she was right.

But the flavor didn't stop there. Mom's other secret ingredients were Miracle Whip and Mount Olive sweet pickle relish. She believed the creamy sweetness of Miracle Whip was essential, and she never skimped on the relish. She added generous amounts, including a splash of the juice, for that perfect balance of sweet and savory. And for an extra layer of flavor, she always added a pinch of celery seed or celery salt.

She was a "taste as you go" cook, adding a little of this and a little of that, tweaking the recipe until it was just right. Her method wasn't precise, but it was perfect. She cooked from the heart, and you could taste it in every bite.

I remember watching her, in the kitchen, her face filled with contentment as she created something that would bring joy to so many.

My passion has been collecting recipes since 1977, and learned the love of cooking and baking from my Mother and grandmothers. She would be so thrilled that I am sharing her recipes and that others may enjoy them, for generations to come. My mission is to share and feature some of my favorites and very special recipes from my extensive recipe collection with my followers. Be sure to follow me on TikTok, or YouTube to watch me share live and as always you can get a printed version here. Comment to let me know that you are enjoying my recipes. Thank you!