Delicate, flaky cod pairs beautifully with a bold, Mediterranean-inspired tomato-olive sauce in this light yet flavorful dish. Ideal for a quick lunch or a refined dinner, this recipe balances lean protein with vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, garlic, and briny olives—all served over a bed of peppery arugula for a refreshing finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A lean, protein-rich meal perfect for heart-healthy eating.
- The tomato-olive sauce adds moisture and deep Mediterranean flavor to the cod.
- Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Elegant enough for entertaining, simple enough for everyday cooking.
Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together:
- 120 g cod fillet
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olives (green or black)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/5 tbsp ground pepper
- 1/5 tbsp salt
- Fresh arugula (for serving)
How to Make Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the cod with salt and pepper, then sauté for 4–6 minutes, or until golden brown and just cooked through.
- Transfer the fish to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cherry tomatoes, white wine, and chopped garlic.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly—about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the olives and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Arrange a bed of arugula on each plate. Place the cooked cod on top, then spoon the tomato-olive sauce over the fish. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Gently press the cod with a spatula while cooking to get a nice sear.
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Deglaze the pan well with white wine to lift up all the flavor from the sautéed cod.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cod for halibut, haddock, or tilapia based on availability.
- Use capers in place of olives for a tangier flavor twist.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the sauce for extra greens.
What to Eat With This Recipe
Pair this dish with a side of roasted potatoes or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the sauce. A simple citrus salad or steamed green beans also complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture of the fish.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 247
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
- Sodium: 381 mg
- Fiber: 1 g

Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce
Delicate, flaky cod pairs beautifully with a bold, Mediterranean-inspired tomato-olive sauce in this light yet flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 120 g cod
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olives
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/5 tbsp ground pepper
- 1/5 tbsp salt
- Arugula for serving
Instructions
Fish
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the cod with salt and pepper, then sauté for 4–6 minutes, or until golden brown and just cooked through.
- Transfer the fish to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cherry tomatoes, white wine, and chopped garlic.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly—about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the olives and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Serve
- Arrange a bed of arugula on each plate. Place the cooked cod on top, then spoon the tomato-olive sauce over the fish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutritional value (per serving)
- Calories: 247
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated fat: 2 g
- Proteins: 29 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
- Sodium: 381 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
hey Inez Briand i was readin your recipe on that cod thing with the tomato-olive sauce and it sounds yum but here’s the thing i dont always have fresh herbs lying around cuz who does right so can i just throw in some dried ones i got or is that gonna mess everything up also what if i dont got olives can i skip em or should i sub with something else thanks a bunch
Hi! I often use dried herbs instead of fresh, just use less cuz they’re stronger. For olives, maybe capers could work if you have them? Just a thought!
Skipping olives isn’t a big deal, but they do add a unique flavor profile. Maybe some diced cucumber for texture if you’re out?