Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Tender cod fillets baked alongside asparagus and cherry tomatoes, flavored with lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs for a simple Whole30 dinner. This whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 28 minutes pairs fillets (about 6 oz each) cod fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large baking dish, combine 1 lb trimmed and cut asparagus with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and spread evenly.
  2. Step 2: Nestle 4 cod fillets into the vegetables. Drizzle the cod with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and remaining 1 minced garlic clove evenly over the top.
  3. Step 3: Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes before serving. Spoon vegetables and pan juices over cod for a bright, Whole30-friendly meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Lemon-Garlic Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Lemon-Garlic Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes 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.

Is Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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