Herbed Mediterranean Cod

Herbed Mediterranean Cod

Mia

This Herbed Mediterranean Cod is a celebration of simplicity and fresh flavors that captures the heart of Mediterranean coastal cooking. Tender, flaky cod fillets are seasoned with a fragrant blend of oregano and thyme, then brightened with fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil—the cornerstone ingredients of the Mediterranean diet. This dish embodies the philosophy that the finest meals come from quality ingredients prepared simply, allowing each element to shine.

Cod is an excellent choice for Mediterranean-style cooking, as its mild, delicate flavor provides the perfect canvas for aromatic herbs and citrus. The fish is naturally lean and protein-rich, making it an ideal centerpiece for a heart-healthy dinner. The combination of oregano and thyme not only adds depth and earthiness but also connects this dish to the sun-drenched hillsides of Greece, Italy, and southern France where these herbs grow wild.

What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that's both nutritious and satisfying. The gentle baking method ensures the cod remains moist and tender, while the herbs infuse every bite with Mediterranean warmth. Serve this alongside roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or whole grain couscous for a complete meal that transports you to the azure shores of the Mediterranean.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It's also elegant enough to serve to guests, proving that Mediterranean cooking is as much about enjoying good food with loved ones as it is about the ingredients themselves.

Nutrition

25 minutes
None servings
220 calories
Fat 11.00g
Carbs 3.00g
Protein 28.00g

Ingredients

4 piecescod fillets, 6 oz each, patted dry
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
2 tbspfresh lemon juice
1 tsplemon zest
2 tspfresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tsp dried
2 tspfresh thyme, chopped, or 1 tsp dried
3 clovesgarlic, minced
3/4 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped (optional)
4 pieceslemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Equipment

Parchment paper
Oven
Whisk
measuring spoons
paper towels
small mixing bowl
pastry brush
instant-read thermometer
knife and cutting board
baking dish

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense cod recipe is ideal for the 16:8 eating window, providing high-quality protein, healthy fats, and vegetables that deliver sustained energy and satiety. The balanced whole food ingredients help meet daily nutritional needs within the compressed timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe is 100% nutrient-dense whole foods including lean fish, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and vegetables with no processed ingredients. It represents the ideal '80' portion of the 80/20 approach, providing anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich, vitamin-packed nutrition.

Ancestral Diet

This cod recipe follows Ancestral Diet principles with wild-caught seafood, healthy olive oil, and fresh vegetables and herbs while completely avoiding grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods. The simple preparation using whole, unprocessed ingredients mirrors traditional hunter-gatherer eating patterns.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This cod recipe is powerfully anti-inflammatory, featuring omega-3-rich fish, extra virgin olive oil, and anti-inflammatory herbs like oregano and thyme, plus garlic and lemon. The absence of processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory oils makes it ideal for reducing inflammation.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with only whole, minimally processed ingredients: fresh fish, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form with no refined sugars, artificial additives, or processed components.

DASH Diet

This recipe perfectly aligns with DASH Diet principles by featuring lean fish protein, minimal sodium (controlled at 3/4 tsp for 4 servings), and heart-healthy olive oil while using fresh herbs and lemon for flavor instead of excessive salt. The inclusion of potassium-rich vegetables like tomatoes supports the diet's cardiovascular health goals.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe is excellent for diabetic diets with virtually no carbohydrates or sugars, lean protein from cod, and healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil that won't spike blood sugar. The low-glycemic vegetables and absence of refined carbohydrates support stable glucose levels.

Evolutionary Diet

This recipe aligns with Evolutionary Diet principles by featuring wild-caught fish, olive oil, and fresh vegetables and herbs while excluding all grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods. The nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory ingredients represent foods available to our hunter-gatherer ancestors.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating with fish as a healthy animal protein option, abundant vegetables, and plant-based seasonings. The emphasis on whole foods, olive oil, and fresh herbs aligns with the diet's primarily plant-forward approach while including sustainable seafood.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using only fresh fish, vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and lemon with no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients. It's a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten while providing complete nutrition.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This cod recipe is exceptionally heart-healthy, featuring omega-3-rich fish, heart-protective extra virgin olive oil, and minimal sodium while avoiding saturated fats and processed ingredients. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich herbs supports cardiovascular health.

High-Protein Diet

This cod recipe delivers approximately 35-40 grams of high-quality lean protein per serving from the 6-ounce fish fillets, making it excellent for high-protein diets. The minimal carbohydrates and healthy fats from olive oil provide balanced nutrition while prioritizing protein intake.

Hunter-Gatherer Diet

This cod recipe is perfect for the Hunter-Gatherer Diet with wild-caught fish, olive oil, and foraged-style herbs and vegetables while avoiding all grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods. The simple preparation reflects how prehistoric humans would have prepared fresh-caught seafood.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense cod dish is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality lean protein, healthy fats from olive oil, and abundant vitamins from fresh herbs and vegetables. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients support stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying Mediterranean cod dish honors both nutrition and pleasure, featuring flavorful herbs, bright lemon, and quality ingredients that provide nourishment without restriction. The recipe celebrates food enjoyment and natural satisfaction while supporting gentle nutrition principles.

Low-Carb Diet

This cod recipe is excellent for low-carb diets with minimal carbohydrates coming only from cherry tomatoes and lemon, keeping net carbs well under 5g per serving. The emphasis on protein-rich fish, healthy fats from olive oil, and non-starchy vegetables makes it perfectly low-carb compliant.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This cod recipe aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by featuring lean fish protein, abundant vegetables, and healthy olive oil while avoiding processed foods and added sugars. The nutrient-dense, whole food ingredients support sustainable weight loss and overall health.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish, featuring extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat, wild-caught fish as the lean protein, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. The use of lemon, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and minimal processing perfectly embodies Mediterranean coastal cooking principles while avoiding red meat, processed foods, and excessive salt.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with omega-3-rich fish, extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat, and anti-inflammatory herbs and vegetables. The absence of butter, red meat, and processed foods aligns perfectly with MIND Diet principles for cognitive protection.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is perfect for mindful eating with its variety of textures (flaky fish, juicy tomatoes), vibrant colors, and aromatic herbs that engage all the senses. The simple preparation encourages slow, conscious appreciation of fresh, whole ingredients and their natural flavors.

Paleo Diet

This cod recipe is fully Paleo-compliant, featuring wild-caught fish, fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy olive oil while completely avoiding grains, legumes, dairy, and processed ingredients. The simple preparation with whole, unprocessed ingredients aligns perfectly with ancestral eating principles.

Paleolithic Diet

This recipe is fully Paleolithic-compliant, featuring wild-caught fish, healthy olive oil, and fresh vegetables and herbs while completely excluding grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugars, and processed foods. The whole food ingredients mirror what would have been available to pre-agricultural humans.

Pegan Diet

This recipe fits Pegan principles with wild-caught fish as a clean protein source, abundant vegetables (tomatoes, herbs), and healthy olive oil fats while avoiding dairy, gluten, and processed ingredients. The emphasis on whole foods and anti-inflammatory ingredients aligns perfectly with this plant-forward approach.

Primal Blueprint

This cod recipe perfectly follows Primal Blueprint guidelines with high-quality wild-caught fish protein, healthy olive oil fats, and abundant non-starchy vegetables and herbs. The recipe avoids all grains, legumes, refined sugars, and processed foods while emphasizing nutrient-dense whole ingredients.

Primal Diet

This recipe is fully Primal-compliant with wild-caught fish, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and vegetables while avoiding all grains, legumes, refined sugars, and processed foods. The emphasis on quality whole foods and healthy fats aligns perfectly with Primal eating principles.

South Beach Diet

This cod recipe fits all South Beach Diet phases, featuring lean fish protein, healthy olive oil fats, and non-starchy vegetables while completely avoiding refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and processed foods. The low-glycemic ingredients support stable blood sugar and heart health.

Weight Watchers

This recipe is ideal for Weight Watchers with lean cod as a zero-point protein, minimal olive oil for healthy fats, and abundant non-starchy vegetables. The dish is naturally low in calories while being satisfying and nutrient-dense, supporting weight management goals without processed ingredients.

Whole30

This recipe is fully Whole30-compliant, using only whole ingredients including wild-caught fish, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and vegetables with no added sugars, grains, legumes, or dairy. The simple preparation focuses on real, unprocessed foods that support the program's elimination principles.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven.

2

Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve better browning and prevents excess moisture.

1 min
3

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped oregano, chopped thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

2 min
4

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the cod fillets in the dish in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

1 min
5

Brush or spoon the herb mixture generously over each cod fillet, making sure to coat the top and sides evenly. Reserve a small amount of the mixture for basting.

2 min
6

If using cherry tomatoes, scatter them around the cod fillets in the baking dish. Drizzle any remaining herb mixture over the tomatoes.

1 min
7

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cod is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.

15 min
8

Remove the dish from the oven and let the cod rest for 2 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish.

2 min
9

Transfer the cod fillets to serving plates. Spoon any pan juices and roasted tomatoes over the fish. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions