Baked Cod with Tomato-Avocado Relish and Zucchini Noodles
Tender baked cod fillets topped with a fresh tomato and avocado relish, served over lightly sautéed zucchini noodles for a light Whole30 seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, medium, diced avocado 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced avocado
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 3 large, spiralized into noodles medium zucchini
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the fillets and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced medium avocado, 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to make the relish.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 3 spiralized large zucchinis and 1/2 tsp sea salt, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 4: To serve, divide zucchini noodles among plates, top with baked cod fillets, and spoon tomato-avocado relish over the top for a fresh, Whole30-friendly seafood entrée.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Avocado Relish and Zucchini Noodles 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 Tomato-Avocado Relish and Zucchini Noodles?
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 (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Tomato-Avocado Relish and Zucchini Noodles?
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 Tomato-Avocado Relish and Zucchini Noodles 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 Tomato-Avocado Relish and Zucchini Noodles whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Equipment for this recipe
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