Tomato Basil & Herbed Cod: A Light, Flavor-Packed Summer Dinner
Summertime grill season is great and all, but let’s be real—there’s only so many burgers one can eat before craving something light, fresh, and not served between buns. That’s where this Tomato Basil & Herbed Cod comes in to save the day (and your taste buds).
It’s quick, vibrant, and packed with nutrients without feeling heavy, making it the perfect dish for a casual patio dinner or an impromptu “let’s be healthy” moment. Whether you choose to steam or bake it, this recipe delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✔ Light & Healthy: Cod is lean, high in protein, and mild enough to let all those fresh herbs and spices shine.
✔ Packed with Summer Flavor: Juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and zesty lemon give this dish a bright, Mediterranean-inspired kick.
✔ Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Just a quick marinade, a simple mix of seasonings, and into the oven it goes. Low-effort, high-reward cooking at its finest.
✔ Perfect for Entertaining: This is the kind of meal that looks fancy but secretly takes almost no time to throw together. Guests will be impressed. You’ll barely have lifted a finger.
How to Serve It
This dish is versatile and pairs well with almost anything, but here are some serving ideas to round it out:
- Over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice to soak up all that herby, lemony goodness.
- Alongside a crisp summer salad for an ultra-refreshing meal.
- With grilled veggies or roasted potatoes for a heartier plate.
- Served with a side of warm, crusty bread (because scooping up the sauce is a must).
A Dinner Party Hero
If you’re the type to host summer dinners but don’t want to sweat over the stove, this dish is your new best friend. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it recipes that lets you actually enjoy your own gathering instead of running around the kitchen. Plus, with the vibrant tomato topping and golden-broiled finish, it looks like something straight out of a fancy restaurant.
So next time you’re staring at a package of cod and wondering what now?, remember this: Tomato Basil & Herbed Cod is the easy, breezy summer dish that delivers on all fronts. Light, fresh, and totally stress-free—what’s not to love?
Now grab a glass of wine, let the oven do the work, and enjoy your effortlessly fancy summer dinner. Cheers! 🍷✨
WINE & TOOLS TO USE
Tomato Basil and Herbed Cod
Equipment
- Casserole dish with lid
- Large mixing bowl
- Large sieve
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod loins
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 15 cherry tomatoes, 15-20
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup capers, (optional)
- 1 ½ tsp sweet onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 2 tsp sumac
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 ½ tbsp garlic powder, or 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
Instructions
- Soak cod loins in bowl of cold water, with lemon juice for 5-7 mins. Drain into sieve, rinse with cold water and pat dry with paper towel.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In the casserole dish, use half of the oil mixture to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper and sumac on both sides of the cod. Then place cod in casserole dish.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes (or quarter them) and place in mixing bowl. Leave a few tomatoes whole with stem for a rustic aesthetic.
- Add fresh basil, sweet onion powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, capers (optional) and the remainder of olive oil to tomatoes and gently toss ingredients together.
- Place tomato mixture on top of cod.
- Cover and bake in the oven for 15-20 mins at 375°F.
- Remove cover & broil for 10-12mins or until tomatoes have softened.
- Serve on rice, quinoa or enjoy on its own.
Notes
Pro Tip:
If you’re using a steamer to cook the recipe, total cooking is 15-20 mins or until tomatoes noticeably soften.Did you make this recipe?
Please let us know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @moody.eater on Instagram and hashtag it #moodyeater #moodyeatersclub .
