Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish is both healthy and packed with flavor. The fish turns out tender and flaky, while the cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers add a briny brightness that keeps every bite interesting. It’s one of my favorite weeknight meals that looks and tastes like a special occasion.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
2 tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
directions
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
I lightly oil a baking dish large enough to hold the fish fillets in a single layer.
I place the fish fillets in the dish, spacing them evenly and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, I toss together the cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, red onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and oregano. I season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Then I spoon the tomato–olive mixture evenly over and around the fish fillets.
I bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the tomatoes are blistered.
Once out of the oven, I sprinkle everything with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: approx. 280 kcal per serving
Variations
Sometimes I add sliced zucchini or bell peppers for more veggies. I also like to swap parsley for basil when I want a different herb flavor, or add crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place it in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes. I avoid microwaving fish to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
What kind of fish works best for this recipe?
I usually use cod or haddock, but tilapia, halibut, or sea bass work great too—just pick a mild white fish that holds up well to baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I prep the tomato and olive mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then I add it to the fish just before baking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your capers and olives for any added ingredients.
What can I serve this with?
I like it with couscous, rice, or roasted potatoes—and a green salad or steamed veggies on the side.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for a bit of heat.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Baked Fish is a flavorful, feel-good dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right to my table. It’s easy, wholesome, and always a hit with family and guests alike—especially when I need something quick but elegant.
Print
Mediterranean Baked Fish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This baked fish with olives and tomatoes is a flavorful Mediterranean dish topped with capers, lemon, and herbs. Healthy, vibrant, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
2 tbsp capers, drained
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a large baking dish.
Arrange fish fillets in the dish, season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, combine tomatoes, olives, capers, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Spoon the mixture evenly over and around the fish.
Bake 15–20 minutes, until fish is opaque and tomatoes are blistered.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Add zucchini or bell peppers for more veggies.
Swap parsley for basil or add crumbled feta cheese.
Serve with couscous, rice, or potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean