Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish

A light, flavorful, and easy dinner made with tender white fish, tomatoes, olives, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs.

Ingredients

• 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, tilapia, or sea bass), about 5–6 oz each
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and garlic to the baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to combine.
3. Season the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Place them over the vegetables and drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the fish with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Arrange lemon slices over and around the fish.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F (63°C) in the center.
6. Finish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley and feta, if desired. Spoon some of the flavorful tomato-olive juices over the fish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Warm pita bread
• Greek salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Couscous or quinoa
• Steamed vegetables
• Rice

Tip: Avoid overbaking the fish. Start checking around 15 minutes because thinner fillets will cook faster.