Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pacific Cod with Avocado Salsa

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

A bright, fresh grilled cod dish marinated in California-inspired citrus flavors and topped with creamy avocado salsa for a light, flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) Pacific cod fillets, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 Pacific cod fillets (6 oz each) in the marinade, turning to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While the fish marinates, combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl; gently toss and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove cod from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flaky.
  5. Step 5: Serve each cod fillet topped with generous spoonfuls of the avocado salsa for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pacific Cod with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pacific Cod with Avocado 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pacific Cod with Avocado 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pacific Cod with Avocado 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pacific Cod with Avocado Salsa?

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