Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Salsa and Lemon Zest
Delicate cod fillets baked under a vibrant salsa of chopped tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, finished with bright lemon zest for a refreshing seafood entrée. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes blends (5 oz each) cod fillets, quartered cherry tomatoes, pitted and chopped Kalamata olives 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 250 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 (5 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 1/2 cups, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, pitted and chopped Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently until well mixed.
- Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets (5 oz each) in a greased baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Spoon the tomato-olive salsa evenly over the cod fillets, covering the tops. Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve fillets topped with the salsa and an extra sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh, bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Salsa and Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Olive Salsa and Lemon Zest?
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-Olive Salsa and Lemon Zest?
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 Salsa and Lemon Zest 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-Olive Salsa and Lemon Zest?
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
