Baked Italian-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky cod fillets baked under a bright, chunky tomato and olive salsa seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs for a light Mediterranean dinner. This italian-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 28 minutes blends (6 oz each) cod fillets, quartered cherry tomatoes, pitted and sliced 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 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: 18 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) in a lightly oiled baking dish and season each with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Stir gently to mix.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the tomato and olive salsa evenly over the cod fillets, covering the tops.
  4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Italian-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Baked Italian-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Salsa?

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 Italian-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Salsa?

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 Italian-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Salsa 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 Italian-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Salsa?

Italian 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.

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