Finding Thalhimers

Thanks to Lori Stuart, here’s the original recipe for Thalhimers’ Chicken Salad. Lori said on Finding Thalhimers’ Facebook page: 

This is the authentic recipe from the old Thalhimers Tea Room lunchroom, (fancy locally owned store chain in VA) given to me by a man who was a personal friend of one of the cooks. This was a secret recipe back then, but now that the store is no more, go ahead and spread it it around. It’s delicious!

Thalhimers’ Chicken Salad

2 cups cubed cooked chicken

2 cups finely chopped celery

2 tbs lemon juice

1/2 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise (no substitutes, only one thick enough)

1/2 teaspoon white pepper (the “secret ingredient”!)

1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, chicken, celery, lemon juice and mayonnaise. Stir to blend. Add white pepper and salt, mix thoroughly. Chill before serving.

Then close your eyes and pretend you’re at Thalhimers…