Baked Lemon Herb Halibut with Mediterranean Couscous Salad

An Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Dinner

This baked lemon herb halibut with Mediterranean couscous salad is fresh, fast and full of flavor! Tender halibut fillets bake up moist and flaky in a bright lemon herb topping, served over a vibrant couscous salad for the perfect balanced meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful fish recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.

The combination of savory baked halibut, zesty lemon herb sauce, and bright couscous salad makes a delightful Greek-inspired meal without much effort. This hassle-free baked fish recipe comes together quickly for a healthy dinner that never disappoints. Read on for the simple recipe steps and tips for making this Mediterranean meal at home.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this fish dish for 4 people:

For the fish:

• 4 (6oz) halibut fillets
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

• 1 cup uncooked couscous
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

That's all you need for an easy yet flavorful Greek-inspired baked fish dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how simple and quick it is to prepare this halibut meal:

Make the Couscous

Prepare couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool.

Marinate the Halibut

Coat halibut fillets with lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano and seasoning. Let sit 10 minutes.

Assemble the Salad

In a bowl, combine cooled couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake the Halibut

Place fish on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until flaky.

Finish and Serve

Plate couscous salad and top with baked halibut fillets. Enjoy this fresh Mediterranean meal!

Make-Ahead Tips

Get ahead on this dinner with these tips:

• Prepare the couscous salad up to 3 days in advance.
• Marinate the fish a few hours before baking or overnight.
• Assemble salad when ready to cook fish.
• Bake halibut right before serving for best texture.

With the salad prep done, dinner is just 30 minutes away!

Couscous Salad Ideas

Customize your salad with any of these mix-ins:

• Bell peppers
• Chopped olives
• Artichoke hearts
• Sliced red onion
• Chickpeas
• Crumbled feta cheese

Get creative with fresh veggies, herbs, beans and cheese in the couscous salad!

Serving Suggestions

Round out this Mediterranean meal with:

• Crusty bread or pita
• Roasted vegetables
• Greek salad
• Hummus and cucumber dip
• Baklava

A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would pair nicely with this flavorful fish dinner.

Leftover Storage

For delicious leftovers:

• Allow baked fish to cool, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Store couscous salad separately up to 5 days.
• Gently reheat fish in a 375°F oven until warmed through.
• Mix fresh couscous salad to serve again.

With proper storage, you can enjoy the bright flavors of this baked Mediterranean fish dish all week!

FAQs

What sides go well with this meal?

Try roasted vegetables, Greek salad, pita bread, hummus or tzatziki.

Can I use regular dried oregano?

Yes, use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano if you don't have fresh.

How do I know when the fish is done?

Check for flaking flesh and opaque coloring throughout. Cook until it reaches 145°F.

Can I substitute different fish?

Yes, cod, sea bass, tilapia or salmon fillets would also be delicious.

How should I reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat baked fish in a 375° oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes.

The Takeaway

This baked lemon herb halibut with Mediterranean couscous salad is a fast and fresh weeknight dinner option. Tender halibut bakes up flaky in a bright lemon herb sauce then served over a vibrant couscous veggie salad. With minimal cooking time and easy make-ahead options, you can enjoy Greek-inspired flavors any night. Follow the simple steps above for a meal that never disappoints!

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Herb Halibut with Mediterranean Couscous Salad offers an easy yet flavorful Greek-inspired dinner. Tender halibut fillets bake up moist and flaky in a zesty lemon herb topping. Served over a fresh and vibrant couscous salad, this fish dish is bright, balanced and full of flavor. Taking just 30 minutes to prepare, it makes a fast weeknight meal. With make-ahead options to help prep, you can enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean without much fuss or time.

FAQs

What sides go well with this baked fish?

Try roasted veggies, Greek salad, warm pita bread, hummus or tzatziki dip.

How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?

Check for flaking flesh and opaque coloring. Cook until it reaches 145°F internally.

Can I sub different fish fillets?

Yes, cod, tilapia, sea bass, or salmon would work great instead of halibut.

How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate baked fish and couscous salad separately up to 3-5 days. Reheat fish before serving.

What protein alternatives work with the couscous salad?

Try chickpeas, white beans, or plant-based meat substitutes in place of fish.