Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Salsa and Garlic Spinach

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

Delicate cod fillets baked under a bright tomato and caper salsa, paired with sautéed garlic spinach for a light and flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes blends (5 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 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 cod fillets in a greased baking dish. In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp drained capers, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spoon this tomato-caper salsa evenly over each cod fillet.
  2. Step 2: Bake cod for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the salsa is bubbling.
  3. Step 3: While cod bakes, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 cups baby spinach and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted but still bright green. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Serve baked cod topped with the tomato-caper salsa alongside the garlic spinach.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Salsa and Garlic Spinach 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 Garlic Spinach?

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 Garlic Spinach?

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 Garlic Spinach 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-Caper Salsa and Garlic Spinach gluten free?

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

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