Description
This Cod with Light Pesto Sauce is a fresh and flavorful seafood recipe made with tender baked cod fillets and a vibrant basil pesto. The dish is light yet satisfying, highlighting clean ingredients like olive oil, garlic, basil, and lemon. It is perfect for a quick dinner while still feeling elegant and wholesome.
Ingredients
Fresh cod fillets cut into individual portions
Extra virgin olive oil for brushing and blending
Salt adjusted to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh lemon juice for finishing
Fresh basil leaves loosely packed
Garlic cloves peeled
Hemp seeds or pine nuts
Nutritional yeast or vegetarian rennet parmesan style cheese
Extra virgin olive oil for pesto
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven until fully heated
2. Arrange the cod fillets in a baking dish or on a parchment lined baking sheet
3. Brush the surface of each fillet lightly with olive oil
4. Season the cod evenly with salt and black pepper
5. Place the dish in the oven and bake until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily
6. While the cod cooks add basil garlic hemp seeds nutritional yeast olive oil salt and pepper to a food processor
7. Blend the pesto until a smooth thick paste forms stopping to scrape the sides as needed
8. Remove the cod from the oven and allow it to rest briefly
9. Spoon the pesto generously over each cod fillet
10. Finish with a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving
Notes
Cod cooks quickly so avoid overbaking to keep the texture moist and flaky
Pesto can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days
Use fresh dry basil leaves for the best color and flavor
Hemp seeds may be replaced with pine nuts walnuts or cashews
Vegetarian rennet parmesan style cheese such as Cabot or Tillamook works well
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American