Lemon-Thyme Roasted Cod with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Relish
Flaky cod fillets roasted with fresh lemon and thyme, topped with a vibrant relish of ripe tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, lemon zest 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 cod fillets in a baking dish and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub evenly over fish.
- Step 2: Roast cod for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Toss gently and season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Remove cod from oven and spoon the Mediterranean tomato and olive relish over each fillet before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Thyme Roasted Cod with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Relish take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Cod with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Relish?
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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Cod with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Relish?
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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Cod with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Relish 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Cod with Mediterranean Olive and Tomato Relish?
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.