Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s effortlessly impressive, vibrantly colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Mediterranean Baked Fish fits the bill perfectly. Juicy fish fillets, nestled atop a rainbow of vegetables, bathed in a gorgeous blend of fresh herbs, lemon, and just a hint of sweetness—this recipe is sunshine on a plate.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Mediterranean Baked Fish is just how streamlined the ingredient list is. Every single component brings something to the table—whether it’s bright herbaceous notes, zesty acidity, or irresistible color and crunch from the veggies.

• Fish fillets: Use any white fish you love (cod, tilapia, haddock)—just make sure they’re boneless and as fresh as possible for the best flavor and texture.
• Thyme & Rosemary (fresh, chopped): These sturdy herbs infuse the dish with classic Mediterranean fragrance and earthiness.
• Oregano & Parsley: Dried or fresh, these boost the depth of flavor and bring fresh, green notes.
• Garlic: Whether you’re mincing fresh cloves or taking a shortcut with prepared garlic paste, this adds a bold, warming foundation.
• Basil (optional): A burst of sweet, peppery aroma that takes the fish up a notch—use it if you have it!
• Lemon zest & juice: Brightens everything and balances the richness of the olive oil and fish. Don’t skip the zest for maximum citrus punch.
• Sweet chilli sauce: This is your little flavor secret, adding subtle heat and a gentle sweetness that plays perfectly with the herbs.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Crucial for seasoning every layer and bringing all the flavors together.
• Olive oil: Classic Mediterranean richness—choose a fruity extra virgin olive oil for depth.
• Cherry tomatoes: These roast into juicy, sweet little flavor bombs.
• Olives (pitted): Salty pops that evoke sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts.
• Onion: Adds savoriness and caramelizes just enough as it bakes.
• Zucchini: Soaks up the dressing and delivers gorgeous green color and a tender bite.

Variations

The beauty of Mediterranean Baked Fish is how flexible it is—you can genuinely make it your own depending on what’s in your fridge or to suit your tastes. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up without sacrificing the Mediterranean spirit:

• Switch Up the Fish: Salmon, sea bass, or even shrimp work beautifully in place of white fish fillets—just adjust the cooking time depending on thickness.
• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or thinly sliced fennel all love baking with these zesty flavors.
• Make it Dairy-Free (or Not): Keep it as is, or finish by crumbling feta or goat cheese over the top in the last 5 minutes for creamy tang.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a smoky paprika for another layer of flavor.

How to Make Mediterranean Baked Fish

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉ (about 200℃)—you want it nice and hot for that quick, even roast. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and to keep your Mediterranean Baked Fish from sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Marinade

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the vegetables and fish fillets: your chopped herbs, garlic, lemon zest and juice, sweet chilli sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk—this is your flavor-packed marinade.

Step 3: Marinade the Fish

Generously rub the marinade all over both sides of your fish fillets, taking care to coat them well. Set the fish aside to soak up all that deliciousness. Reserve about half a tablespoon of the marinade for the veggies.

Step 4: Toss the Veggies

Add your cherry tomatoes, olives, diced onion, and zucchini into the bowl with the remaining marinade. Toss everything thoroughly so each veggie gets a little love from the herbs and seasoning.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Pour the marinated vegetables into the base of your prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Place the fish fillets on top, scraping any leftover marinade from the bowl onto the fillets. Bake on the middle rack for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily (or reads 145℉ internally).

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Once the Mediterranean Baked Fish is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes so the juices settle. This quick rest makes every bite tender and full of Mediterranean goodness—then serve it up while everything’s perfectly hot and succulent!

How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Fish

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parsley or basil right before serving adds a fresh pop of color and aroma. I also love a flourish of lemon wedges for extra brightness and, if you’re feeling fancy, a little crumbled feta over the top brings creamy contrast to the Mediterranean Baked Fish.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs for a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the juices, or try it with simple couscous, fluffy quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a more filling meal. A crisp green salad or classic Greek salad on the side highlights all the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Mediterranean Baked Fish family-style, straight from the baking dish for easy, rustic charm. Or, for a little wow factor, portion the veggies onto each plate and top with a perfectly flaky fillet—garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge. For a dinner party, assemble in individual baking dishes for personal, elegant servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Baked Fish will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The veggies and marinade actually deepen in flavor, so lunch the next day is extra special—just be gentle when transferring the fish so it stays intact.

Freezing

This dish is at its very best fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Let everything cool completely, then wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to one month. Note that the texture of the veggies may soften when thawed, but the flavors remain bright.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Mediterranean Baked Fish gently in a 300℉ oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 10 minutes. A quick blast in the microwave also works in a pinch, just use low power and watch carefully to avoid drying the fish out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something both comforting and lively, Mediterranean Baked Fish delivers every single time. It’s the ultimate reminder that simple ingredients, treated with a little care, can become one of the best dinners you’ll make all year. Give it a try—and enjoy every sunny, savory bite!

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