Baked Cod with Herb-Pistachio Crust and Lemon Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender baked cod fillets topped with a crunchy herb and pistachio crust, finished with a bright lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs cod fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 4 cod fillets dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup finely chopped pistachios, 1/4 cup parsley, 2 tbsp basil, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until crumbly.
  3. Step 3: Press the pistachio-herb mixture evenly onto the top of each cod fillet, pressing lightly to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Bake cod for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and crust is golden.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the lemon dressing.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the lemon dressing over the baked cod before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Herb-Pistachio Crust and Lemon Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Herb-Pistachio Crust and Lemon Dressing?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Herb-Pistachio Crust and Lemon Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cod with Herb-Pistachio Crust and Lemon Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Cod with Herb-Pistachio Crust and Lemon Dressing?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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