Baked Cod with Tomato and Olive Salsa (Printable)

Tender cod baked with vibrant tomato olive salsa. Ready in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each), skinless and boneless
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 lemon, thinly sliced

→ Tomato and Olive Salsa

06 - 2 ripe medium tomatoes, diced
07 - 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
08 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
11 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
13 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Pat the cod fillets dry. Brush with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange the fillets in the prepared baking dish. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
03 - Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
04 - While the cod is baking, prepare the salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped olives, red onion, parsley, capers, olive oil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Remove the cod from the oven. Plate each fillet and generously spoon the tomato and olive salsa over the top. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between delicate cod and punchy Mediterranean flavors creates that restaurant quality balance we all chase
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all day
02 -
  • Overcooked cod is a tragedy so pull it from the oven the moment it turns opaque throughout
  • The salsa needs at least 10 minutes to hang out so those flavors can become friends before serving
03 -
  • Room temperature fish cooks more evenly so pull it from the fridge 20 minutes before starting
  • The lemon slices on top keep the cod moist while adding a subtle brightness

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