Hot Spaghetti Vegetable Salad – A Cheesy, Baked Comfort Food Classic – Black Foodie Finder

A Warm and Cheesy Vegetable Pasta Favorite

Hearty, colorful, and packed with vegetables, Hot Spaghetti Vegetable Salad combines tender spaghetti, juicy tomatoes, green peas, and layers of melted cheese. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this comforting baked pasta dish makes a delicious addition to family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 1 pound box spaghetti
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup plus 2 teaspoons Crisco Oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 medium tomatoes, cut in wedges
• 1½ pounds mozzarella cheese
• 1½ pounds watercress
• 1 box (10 ounces) frozen green peas, thawed
• 1 box (6 ounces) frozen pea pods, thawed, or 1 cup fresh
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Makes: 12 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13 × 9 × 2-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Prepare the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Crisco Oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
4. Start layering the ingredients. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add one-third of the tomato wedges, one-third of the mozzarella cheese, half of the watercress, half of the green peas, half of the pea pods, and some Parmesan cheese.
5. Add the dressing and repeat. Spoon a small amount of the mayonnaise mixture over the layers. Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti, vegetables, and cheeses, distributing the dressing throughout. Finish by arranging the remaining tomatoes and mozzarella over the top.
6. Bake until golden. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through, bubbling around the edges, and lightly browned on top.
7. Serve warm. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest briefly before serving. Enjoy as a hearty side dish or a comforting pasta entrée.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Cook pasta just until tender. Avoid overcooking the spaghetti since it will continue heating in the oven.
• Drain vegetables well. Removing excess moisture from the thawed peas and pea pods helps prevent a watery casserole.
• Distribute the dressing evenly. Adding small amounts between layers helps coat the pasta and vegetables.
• Try fresh herbs. For a flavorful variation, sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the finished dish.
• Serve with a crisp salad. A light green salad complements the rich, cheesy pasta.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrates African American culinary heritage through The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, a collection of treasured recipes and family food traditions.

Hot Spaghetti Vegetable Salad showcases the cookbook’s comforting, family-style dishes, combining pasta, vegetables, and cheese in a satisfying baked meal.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Hot Spaghetti Vegetable Salad recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional recommendations from Black Foodie.