Lemon Butter Cod with Quinoa Salad is a light, nutritious, and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. The cod fillets are tender, flaky, and coated in a buttery, zesty lemon sauce that enhances their natural flavor. The accompanying quinoa salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with colorful vegetables, making this dish a complete, well-balanced meal.

Quick to prepare yet elegant enough for entertaining, it’s ideal for anyone seeking a wholesome, high-protein, and satisfying dish. The combination of citrusy fish and hearty quinoa creates a refreshing and comforting meal that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between health and indulgence. The cod is succulent and melts in your mouth, while the lemon butter sauce adds richness without being heavy. The quinoa salad complements the fish with a nutty, earthy flavor and a refreshing crunch from fresh vegetables and herbs.

It’s a meal that feels light but filling, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of textures, flavors, and bright colors makes it a joy to prepare and serve.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into a wholesome and elegant meal. The lemon butter elevates the mild cod, while the quinoa salad offers a healthy, fiber-rich side that pairs perfectly with the fish.

It’s a quick yet impressive meal that can satisfy both seafood lovers and those seeking nutritious options. The dish is versatile, customizable, and suitable for various diets, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a fresh, balanced, and flavorful plate.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Healthy

Ingredients

For the Lemon Butter Cod

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Quinoa Salad

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ¼ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Quinoa Salad

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.

Cook the Cod

1. Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cod fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine. Pour sauce over the cooked cod fillets.

Serve

1. Plate the cod fillets alongside the quinoa salad.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook Quinoa
Rinse quinoa, boil in water or broth, simmer for 15 minutes, and fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Make Quinoa Salad
Combine cooked quinoa with vegetables, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Cod Fillets
Pat dry, season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook Cod
Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook fillets 3–4 minutes per side until done. Remove from skillet.

Step 5: Make Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add lemon juice and zest. Pour over cod.

Step 6: Serve
Plate cod with quinoa salad, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.

How to Serve

Serve immediately as a healthy lunch or dinner. Pair with a crisp white wine, sparkling water, or a light salad for a complete, balanced meal. This dish is perfect for family meals, casual dinners, or entertaining guests.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure cod fillets are patted dry before cooking to achieve a golden crust.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavorful quinoa.
• Adjust lemon juice in sauce according to taste for more tanginess.
• Do not overcook cod; it should be flaky but moist.
• Make quinoa salad ahead of time and keep chilled until serving.

Variations

• Herbed Quinoa: Add fresh dill or basil for additional flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Include roasted bell peppers or zucchini in the quinoa salad.
• Spicy Twist: Add red chili flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a mild kick.
• Different Fish: Substitute cod with halibut, tilapia, or salmon.
• Nutty Texture: Add toasted almonds or pine nuts to the quinoa salad.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cod and quinoa salad in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Quinoa can be frozen for up to 1 month. Cooked cod is best eaten fresh; freezing may affect texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan for quinoa
• Large skillet for cod
• Mixing bowl for salad
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, thaw fully before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Q2: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Prepare quinoa salad in advance. Cook cod just before serving for best flavor.

Q3: Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice and zest provide a slightly different but delicious flavor.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, cod and quinoa are naturally gluten-free. Ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.

Q5: What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Steamed vegetables, a green salad, or roasted asparagus complement this dish well.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Cod with Quinoa Salad is a healthy, flavorful, and visually appealing meal that balances tender, citrusy fish with a fresh, nutrient-rich quinoa salad. Quick to prepare yet elegant enough for guests, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or a wholesome lunch. With simple ingredients, bright flavors, and a satisfying texture combination, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking for a nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make seafood meal.