Soccer Salad

The origin of this salad's unusual name is unknown, but it's a definite crowd pleaser. Every time I bring it to a potluck or other event, I'm asked to share the recipe.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 295 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup chow mein noodles
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 ounces blanched slivered almonds
• 5 slices bacon
• 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (such as Ac'cent®)
• 2 heads leaf lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 2

Spread the almonds and sesame seeds onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven until the almonds are just turning golden brown, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. Meanwhile, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, cool, and crumble.

Step 4

Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate and allow to cool; crumble.

Step 5

Make the dressing by shaking the sugar, vinegar, monosodium glutamate, vegetable oil, and garlic in a glass jar with a sealable lid until mixed. Combine the cooled almonds, sesame seeds, crumbled bacon, lettuce, and chow mein noodles in a bowl. Pour the dressing overtop and gently toss until coated.