Zesty Cod Salad
Owen Murphy
| 30-06-2025
· Cate team
Lykkers, here’s a delightful, light dish perfect for warm days, quick lunches, or refreshing dinners. This cod salad brings a mix of vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and nutritious ingredients to your table in just a few minutes.
It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s satisfying yet gentle on the body—ideal for anyone looking to enjoy clean and simple meals without compromising on taste.

Ingredients You'll Need

Cod Fillets (Fresh or Frozen) – 4 pieces
Cherry Tomatoes – 200 g
Taggiasca Olives – 100 g
Capers (Desalted) – 100 g
Lemon – 1
Fresh Parsley – As needed
Olive Oil – As needed
Fine Salt – To taste

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Cod
Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add a pinch of fine salt. Place the cod fillets in the water and let them simmer for about 5 minutes, just until they turn white and firm.
Step 2: Cool the Fillets
Remove the cod from the pot, drain well, and set aside to cool completely. This ensures the salad stays crisp and refreshing.
Step 3: Flake the Fish
Once cooled, break the cod into bite-sized pieces using your hands. Keep the pieces rustic for added texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomatoes
Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water. Dry them gently and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
Step 5: Combine the Main Ingredients
Place the flaked cod and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the drained olives and desalted capers. Mix gently.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs
Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it into the bowl for a fragrant, fresh note.
Step 7: Add Lemon Juice
Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the mixture. This adds brightness and enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Step 8: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Toss everything gently to combine.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Transfer to a serving dish or individual small bowls. Enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge for a bit.

Useful Tips

Fish Options
If cod is unavailable, white-fleshed fish like sea bass or plaice works beautifully too. Opt for fillets without bones to save time.
Extra Add-Ins
Feel free to add thinly sliced red onions, cooked carrots, or arugula for variety. You can also splash in a bit of citrus zest or use other fresh herbs like basil or dill.
Serving Ideas
Serve the salad as a standalone dish or pair it with toasted bread or light crackers. It also works great as a starter or as part of a picnic spread.
Make-Ahead Option
This salad holds well in the refrigerator. Prepare it earlier in the day and let it rest in a sealed container. The flavors will blend beautifully by mealtime.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

In Conclusion

This cod salad is a fresh, tasty, and easy-to-make option for Lykkers who appreciate balance and flavor. It’s a colorful plate filled with goodness and simplicity, perfect for laid-back meals or when time is short but taste still matters. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite fresh ingredients, and keep this light dish in your go-to recipe list.