Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Pesto and Roasted Vegetables
Delicate cod fillets baked with a zesty lemon-garlic marinade, topped with vibrant herb pesto, accompanied by oven-roasted seasonal vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) cod fillets, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves 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 320 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 (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup, toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds zucchini
- 1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 2 medium, sliced diagonally carrots
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets in a baking dish and brush evenly with the lemon-garlic marinade. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: On a large baking sheet, toss 2 sliced zucchini, 1 large chopped red bell pepper, and 2 sliced carrots with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Spread in an even layer.
- Step 4: Roast vegetables in the oven for 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, place the marinated cod fillets on a separate baking sheet and bake both cod and vegetables for the remaining 10 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 5: While baking, prepare herb pesto by blending 1 cup fresh basil, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 2 tbsp olive oil until smooth.
- Step 6: Serve baked cod topped with 2 tbsp herb pesto per fillet, alongside the roasted vegetables for a bright, flavorful meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Pesto and Roasted Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Pesto and Roasted Vegetables?
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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Pesto and Roasted Vegetables?
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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Pesto and Roasted Vegetables 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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Pesto and Roasted Vegetables?
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.
