Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Salsa and Basil
Mild cod fillets baked with a bright tomato-caper salsa and fresh basil, delivering clean Mediterranean flavors in a simple dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends (6 oz each) cod fillets, quartered cherry tomatoes, drained capers into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, drained capers
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets in the baking dish and season each with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp drained capers, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Mix gently to form the salsa.
- Step 4: Spoon the tomato-caper salsa evenly over the cod fillets.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Salsa and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Salsa and Basil?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Salsa and Basil?
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-Caper Salsa and Basil 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 Tomato-Caper Salsa and Basil?
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.
