Baked Lemon-Herb Mediterranean Cod with Olives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky cod fillets baked in a zesty lemon and herb marinade with briny olives and tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 28 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) in a baking dish and pour the lemon-herb marinade over them, turning to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Scatter 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup halved kalamata olives around the fish.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving with crusty bread or a side salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemon-Herb Mediterranean Cod with Olives take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Lemon-Herb Mediterranean Cod with Olives?

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 Lemon-Herb Mediterranean Cod with Olives?

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-Herb Mediterranean Cod with Olives 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-Herb Mediterranean Cod with Olives?

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.

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