Lemon Garlic Baked Cod with Burst Tomatoes and Quinoa

Bright, savory, and built on wholesome ingredients—this Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod is a quick, nourishing dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Tender cod fillets bathed in a burst of juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and lemon, paired with fluffy quinoa, makes for a perfectly balanced, protein-packed weekday meal.

Cod is such a great protein to have in your rotation—it’s mild in flavor (great for kids or picky eaters), cooks quickly, and pairs well with just about anything. Here, it’s roasted in the oven with garlic, thyme, and lemon slices until perfectly flaky. We scatter in halved cherry tomatoes, which burst as they bake and create a beautiful, savory-sweet sauce that’s perfect for spooning over the fish and quinoa.

I like to serve this over a scoop of cooked quinoa for a complete meal. You could absolutely use brown rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice depending on what you have on hand. If you’re using a microwave-ready quinoa packet, this dinner honestly feels effortless but still feels like something you’d order at a café.

Why I Love This Meal

This is the kind of recipe that feels effortless but still tastes like you put in a lot of care. The bright lemon, savory garlic, and juicy tomatoes do so much heavy lifting when it comes to flavor. It’s the perfect balance of simple and special.

It’s also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and made with nourishing, whole-food ingredients. If you’re trying to get more seafood into your routine—or just want something that doesn’t come from a box—this is a great place to start. And since it only takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time, it’s doable even on the busiest weeknight.

Make It Your Own

• Not a fan of cod? This recipe works great with halibut, tilapia, or even salmon.
• Want to boost the veggies? Add some zucchini or sliced red onion to the pan with the tomatoes.
• No quinoa on hand? Brown rice, couscous, or even mashed potatoes would be delicious here.
• Making it for kids? You can skip the lemon slices on theirs or roast some of the tomatoes separately and serve everything deconstructed.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Burst Tomatoes and Quinoa is one of those simple, feel-good meals you’ll come back to again and again. It’s light, flavorful, and full of nourishing ingredients—and it’s proof that healthy meals don’t have to be complicated.

I love serving this on a weeknight when I want something fresh and satisfying but don’t want to stand over the stove for an hour. Plus, the clean-up is minimal, and that always feels like a win.

If you make this one, let me know how it turns out—or better yet, tag me so I can see your plate!