Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Relish and Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender baked cod topped with a vibrant tomato and olive relish served over lightly sautéed zucchini noodles. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, quartered cherry tomatoes, pitted and chopped kalamata olives for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil. Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While the cod bakes, combine 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl to make the relish.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: To serve, spoon the tomato-olive relish over the baked cod fillets and plate alongside the zucchini noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive 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-Olive 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-Olive 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-Olive 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-Olive Relish and Zucchini Noodles whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo, 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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