grilled cod fillet topped with pesto and pine nuts

Summer side dishes for bbq

grilled cod with pesto and pine nuts

By:

WordofMany

Published:

09 Jul 2025
This grilled cod recipe delivers a burst of fresh flavors with minimal effort. Tender cod fillets are perfectly grilled, then topped with vibrant pesto and crunchy pine nuts, creating a dish thats both elegant and easy to make. I recently made this for a dinner party, and everyone raved about it. Even my picky eater of a cousin went back for seconds. It's a crowd-pleaser for sure!
close up of grilled cod with pesto and pine nuts
The combination of flaky cod, savory pesto, and toasted pine nuts is simply divine. The grilling process gives the fish a slight smoky flavor that complements the bright, herbaceous pesto beautifully. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of pesto. Sun-dried tomato pesto or a spicy pesto would also work well with cod. In fact, I might try that next time I make this! Has anyone tried that before? Let me know.
side view of grilled cod with pesto and pine nuts served on a plate

Required Equipments

  • Grill
  • Baking Sheet
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Grilled Cod with Pesto and Pine Nuts: Frequently Asked Questions

Grilled Cod with Pesto and Pine Nuts

Quick and easy grilled cod recipe with a delicious pesto and pine nut topping. Perfect for a healthy and flavorful weeknight meal.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. This step is super important—trust me, I've learned the hard way with fish sticking and flaking apart. It's a mess!
  2. Prepare the cod fillets by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear on the outside. Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil. The fish should feel somewhat firm to the touch; if it feels too squishy, its probably a bad idea to cook it. I know that's a bit gross, but safety first!
  3. In a small bowl, combine the pesto with a tablespoon of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. This will help to thin out the pesto and make it easier to spread. Stir in the pine nuts. I like to toast my pine nuts lightly in a dry pan for a minute or two to bring out their flavor.
  4. Place the cod fillets on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it will become dry. I usually check for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork at the thickest part.
  5. Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the pesto and pine nut mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. If youre doing this for the gram, be generous with the pesto!
  6. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the pesto is lightly browned and the pine nuts are toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning! Broilers can be tricky, and every oven is different. Keep an eye on it!
  7. Remove the cod from the broiler and let it cool for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge, if desired. I always add a little extra lemon; it really brightens up the flavors. Enjoy! And take a picture—you deserve it!

📝 Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 25 g

Fat: 25 g

Carbohydrates: 10 g

Fiber: 1 g

Calcium: 50mg

Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance. - Coco Chanel

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