Easy Healthy Baked Cod With Vegetables

Name: Easy Healthy Baked Cod With Vegetables
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 red onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Fresh & Balanced Eats

I absolutely love preparing Easy Healthy Baked Cod With Vegetables. It’s a dish I can whip up quickly after a long day, yet it’s so flavorful and satisfying. The best part is how the fresh vegetables complement the tender cod, bringing vibrant colors and health benefits to the table. In just about 30 minutes, I have a meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Chelsea Payne

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:29:35.842Z

When I first tried making cod at home, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to elevate the flavors with just a few simple ingredients. I remember reading about the benefits of baking fish instead of frying, which keeps it moist without all the extra fat. Immediately, I knew I had to give it a go!

One trick I discovered is to layer the vegetables beneath the fish; this allows them to soak up all the delicious flavors while keeping the cod perfectly tender. Each bite is a delightful balance of textures and tastes, and I can't wait for you to experience it yourself!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
Healthy ingredients that promote better eating habits
Flavorful combination of cod and fresh vegetables

Choosing the Right Cod

When selecting cod for this dish, opt for fresh fillets if possible. Fresh cod should have a mild scent of the sea, firm texture, and bright white color. Frozen cod is a convenient alternative and can be just as tasty, especially if thawed properly. Make sure to pat the fillets dry before seasoning; this step ensures a better sear during baking and helps the herbs adhere well.

The thickness of your cod fillets can affect cooking time. Thicker pieces may require an extra 5 minutes in the oven to reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Always check for doneness by using a fork; the fish should flake easily and appear opaque when fully cooked.

Maximizing Vegetable Flavor

The choice of vegetables in this recipe can be adjusted based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. For a sweeter taste, consider adding carrots or sweet potatoes, diced, which will caramelize nicely alongside the cod. Make sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly and showcase a delightful texture alongside the flaky fish.

To enhance the flavors of your vegetables, consider marinating them for about 10-15 minutes in the olive oil and garlic mixture before baking. This extra time allows the oil and seasonings to infuse deeper into the veggies, resulting in a more intense flavor and a beautifully glossy finish once cooked.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Easy Healthy Baked Cod pairs wonderfully with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice, adding fiber and a nutritional boost to your meal. If you’re looking to make this dish a complete dinner, try serving it with a light green salad drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

For a variation on this dish, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill sprinkled over the fish just before serving. These herbs can brighten up the dish and introduce new aromatic elements. Alternatively, a sprinkle of feta cheese right before serving can add a creamy, tangy finish that complements both the cod and the vegetables.

Ingredients

For this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

4 cod fillets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Make sure all your vegetables are diced and ready to go for a seamless cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Easy Healthy Baked Cod With Vegetables:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, and toss until well coated.

Arrange in a Baking Dish

Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish, creating a bed for the cod fillets.

Place the Cod

Lay the cod fillets on top of the vegetables and season them with additional salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.

Serve

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing!

Your delicious meal is ready to be enjoyed with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, feel free to add your favorite herbs or a splash of white wine before baking. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill work particularly well.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prep this dish ahead of time, you can marinate the cod and vegetables a few hours in advance or even the night before. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and when you're ready to cook, simply arrange everything in the baking dish and bake as directed. This can save you time during busy evenings and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, consider using the oven rather than a microwave to maintain the texture of both the cod and the vegetables. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until everything is warmed through, ensuring the fish remains tender.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your cod is not cooking evenly, it's often due to inadequate spacing in the baking dish. Make sure to arrange the cod fillets and vegetables in a single layer, giving them enough space to cook properly. This helps in achieving both a perfect roast and prevents steaming, which can leave your fish and vegetables soggy.

In case the vegetables are browning too quickly while the cod is still undercooked, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first part of the cooking. This will help trap steam, cooking everything evenly while still allowing colors to develop without burning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

You can substitute with vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots based on your preference.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.