Keroline’s Chicken Salad

When you need a “sure thing” for a summer brunch.

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The Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25:14-30, tells the story of a master who entrusts wealth to three of his servants based on their abilities.

Many of you know this story so I won’t get into it too much, but basically it is speaking of our expectation to use the talents we have been entrusted with here on earth for the Kingdom of God. How that looks is different for each person, but basically, just don’t squander away your wealth and abilities.

I have been pondering the idea of stewardship and what that means for me. I have gone back and forth in my life, multiplying and squandering. I have been extremely generous, and also had nothing to give. But God can take anything, even the lessons learned in the squandering, to redeem my talents and bring me to a place of prosperity - a place I have doubted I would ever see.

Now, what does that have to do with a chicken salad recipe? Well, I have seen this chicken salad feed 2 people and I have seen it feed 200. Over the decades, this specific recipe has fed thousands of people at the hands of me and my mother.

And while it might not be a monetary multiplication, this recipe, made with love and care, has touched so many palates, and lives! It has been shared across states, countries, in home kitchens and catering kitchens - I don’t know if my mom will actually know how far this one simple recipe will go, but it’s not done yet.

I have been eating this chicken salad since I was a kid following my mom around the church kitchen. I still remember exactly how it felt to run up and down the halls in the church I grew up in. My mom worked there, I went to school there, and I knew every single corner of that massive building.

I wouldn’t trade that time of my life and those years spent learning how to cook from my mom, for anything. I just wish I could go back and experience one more ladies brunch with her.

This was on the buffet at almost every single brunch. Always on butter croissants, and still, when I bite into it, it is the best kind of nostalgia.

Now, I’m using this on the buffets for clients that I cater for, and it is a loved recipe in the home of my full-time employers. I am so grateful for this recipe and a mom who taught me how to cook and feed a crowd, from a young age.

Keroline’s Chicken Salad

This is one of those recipes that has earned permanent status in my recipe collection. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, crunchy, and packed with fresh flavor. The secret ingredient is vanilla yogurt—it adds just enough subtle sweetness to balance the savory ingredients without making the salad overly sweet. If you’ve ever had one of those grocery store chicken salads that tastes more like dessert than lunch (looking at you, Member’s Mark Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad ), don’t worry. This isn’t that. The yogurt simply rounds everything out and lets the grapes, dill, and walnuts shine.