Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomato and Olive Relish
Tender, flaky cod fillets are baked with olive oil, garlic, and lemon, then topped with a vibrant relish of cherry tomatoes, briny olives, capers, and fresh herbs. A simple yet elegant Mediterranean dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Cod
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Tomato & Olive Relish
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
2 tbsp capers, rinsed
2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the cod
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place cod fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then rub with garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Bake the cod
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
3. Make the tomato & olive relish
While cod bakes, combine tomatoes, olives, capers, onion, parsley, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss well.
4. Serve
Place cod fillets on plates and spoon tomato-olive relish generously over the top.
Garnish with extra herbs and a lemon wedge.
Notes & Tips
Fish options: Swap cod with halibut, haddock, or sea bass.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the relish.
Serving ideas: Pair with couscous, quinoa, or roasted potatoes and a side of sauteed greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: The relish can be made 1 day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bake the cod fresh for best results.
Q: Can I pan-sear instead of bake?
A: Yes—sear cod 3–4 minutes per side in a skillet, then top with the relish.
Q: What if I don’t like capers?
A: Just leave them out or replace with extra olives.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320
Protein: 34g
Fat: 16g
Carbs: 8g
Fiber: 2g