When the Mediterranean sun kisses fresh cod, magic happens. Imagine tender fish fillets, lovingly baked with vibrant olives, creating an explosion of flavors that dance in your mouth. This Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that transports you to sun-soaked shores with every bite. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen cod for Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives?
- What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
- How do I know when my cod is done cooking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends thought I had become some sort of gourmet chef overnight. Little did they know, it was just me, a few colorful ingredients, and the magic of the Mediterranean. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this dish promises a flavor journey you won’t forget. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of fish and olives creates a savory explosion that will tantalize your taste buds
- The dish’s vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- It’s versatile enough to pair with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a delightful meal
Cooking this dish brought my family together around the table, sparking laughter and joy as we savored each delectable bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cod Fillets: Choose firm fillets for the best texture and flavor; look for bright color and a mild scent.
- Olives: Use a mix of green and black olives for depth; pitted olives save time and hassle.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties for the best results.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes to add sweetness and vibrancy to your dish.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens flavors; bottled juice simply can’t compete with the zing of fresh.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; it’s worth splurging on quality here.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Basil): Fresh herbs elevate the dish’s aroma and appearance; don’t skip this step!
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives
Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil for non-stick assurance.
Prepare the cod: Rinse fresh cod fillets under cold water and pat them dry. Place them in your greased baking dish, skin side down if applicable.
Add the toppings: Scatter minced garlic over the cod generously. Then layer sliced olives and halved cherry tomatoes atop your fish like they’re enjoying a Mediterranean sunbath.
Season generously: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and chopped herbs over everything—this is where flavor magic begins.
Bake to perfection: Place in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. The aromas filling your kitchen will make you feel like you’re dining al fresco!
Serve hot: Once out of the oven, garnish with extra herbs if desired. It’s ready to be devoured alongside rice or crusty bread while basking in applause from dinner guests.
With these simple steps, you’ll have created a beautiful Mediterranean feast that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
You Must Know
- Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The combination of tender cod and briny olives creates a flavor explosion that transports you right to the sun-soaked shores of Greece
- Make sure to savor every bite, as this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the cod fillets, then layer them in a baking dish with olives and tomatoes. Bake for 20 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap olives for capers or add fresh herbs like parsley and dill for extra freshness. A sprinkle of feta cheese on top can also elevate the dish’s flavors wonderfully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly flaky cod, ensure it’s fresh and not previously frozen
- Use a meat thermometer: 145°F (63°C) ensures safety while keeping it moist
- Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Cooking this dish always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dinner. The aroma would fill the house, leading to compliments and seconds served all around.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod for Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Serve with rice pilaf or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when my cod is done cooking?
Cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Mediterranean Baked Cod with Olives
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mediterranean Baked Cod with Olives is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sun-soaked coastlines to your dinner table. Tender cod fillets are baked to perfection, topped with vibrant olives, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This simple yet elegant meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup mixed green and black olives, pitted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Rinse cod fillets under cold water and pat dry. Place them skin-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter minced garlic over the cod. Layer sliced olives and halved cherry tomatoes on top.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped herbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (170g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg