Mediterranean Baked Cod with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Peppers

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with protein, colorful vegetables, and healthy fats, this Mediterranean baked cod is one to save.

Everything comes together in one baking dish, which means minimal prep and cleanup. The tomatoes release their juices as they cook, combining with the olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs to create a light, flavorful sauce for the fish.

Cod is a lean source of protein, while the variety of colorful vegetables adds fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Add a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and you have a simple Mediterranean-inspired meal that checks a lot of boxes.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets, approximately 5–6 ounces each

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Fresh parsley, for serving

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional additions: Kalamata olives, capers, artichoke hearts, or a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Place the zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, red onion, and garlic in a large baking dish. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together.

3. Roast the vegetables for 15 minutes to give them a head start.

4. Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently toss the vegetables. Nestle the cod fillets into the vegetables.

5. Drizzle the fish with the remaining olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Season with a little additional salt, pepper, and oregano.

6. Return the dish to the oven and bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your cod. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For food safety, fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

7. Finish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.

Make It a Complete Meal

This dish is delicious on its own, but if you need additional carbohydrates, especially after a workout or for a more active family member, serve it with roasted potatoes, quinoa, rice, or a piece of sourdough bread.

And don’t overlook all those juices at the bottom of the baking dish! Spoon them over the cod and vegetables before serving.

Simple ingredients, lots of color, plenty of protein, and only one baking dish to clean. My kind of dinner.