There’s something magical about Mediterranean cuisine that transports you instantly to sun-soaked shores, with azure waters lapping against ancient coastal towns. This One-Pan Mediterranean Baked Halibut embodies that spirit perfectly—simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. The delicate flakiness of halibut pairs beautifully with the bright, bold flavors of tomatoes, olives, and herbs in this effortless dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, your oven did all the work).
What makes this recipe truly special isn’t just its incredible flavors or how the halibut melts in your mouth. It’s the convenience factor that will have you returning to this recipe again and again. Everything cooks together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive yet easy, or weekend dinner parties when you’d rather be chatting with guests than chained to the stove. The Mediterranean diet is celebrated as one of the healthiest in the world, and this dish showcases exactly why—fresh fish, heart-healthy olive oil, and nutrient-packed vegetables coming together in perfect harmony.
The Mediterranean has gifted the culinary world with countless treasures, but the way they prepare seafood deserves special recognition. This recipe draws inspiration from coastal towns in Greece, Spain, and southern France, where fishermen bring in their daily catch to be transformed with local produce into simple yet stunning meals. Halibut, with its clean taste and meaty texture, serves as the perfect canvas for the vibrant medley of Mediterranean flavors.
What you’ll need:
- 4 halibut fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus additional wedges for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the halibut through while allowing the vegetables to caramelize slightly without burning. While your oven heats up, take a moment to pat your halibut fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden exterior. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The seasoning might seem simple, but it builds the foundation for the complex flavors to come.
Select a large, rimmed baking sheet or a shallow baking dish that’s large enough to hold all the fish and vegetables without overcrowding. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil across the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking and add the first layer of flavor. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, minced garlic, olives, and capers. Toss these ingredients with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. The salt will help draw out the natural moisture in the tomatoes and onions, creating a delicious sauce as everything bakes.
Spread this colorful vegetable mixture across your prepared baking sheet, creating a flavorful bed for your fish. Nestle the lemon slices throughout the vegetables. Pour the white wine over the vegetables – this will steam and infuse everything with a subtle acidity that brings the dish to life. Now, place your seasoned halibut fillets on top of the vegetable mixture, spacing them evenly. The fish should sit slightly elevated on the vegetables, allowing it to roast rather than steam for that perfect texture.
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped fresh herbs – parsley, dill, and oregano. This herb mixture will be your finishing touch, bringing brightness and a pop of color to the finished dish. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the fish fillets and sprinkle half of the herb mixture on top, reserving the rest for garnish after baking. If you enjoy a touch of heat, now is the time to add those red pepper flakes, sprinkling them across the entire dish.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know the halibut is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist in the center. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for that ideal tender texture. During this time, the tomatoes will burst, releasing their sweet juices to mingle with the wine and olive oil, creating a luscious sauce that flavors everything.
Once the fish is cooked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. If you’re including feta cheese, sprinkle it over the hot dish now, allowing it to warm and soften slightly from the residual heat. The creamy, briny cheese adds another dimension of Mediterranean flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Finish by scattering the remaining fresh herbs over everything for a final burst of color and aroma.
Serve this gorgeous One-Pan Mediterranean Baked Halibut directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation, or carefully transfer the fillets to individual plates with a generous spoonful of the vegetable mixture and sauce. Complete the meal with some crusty bread to soak up all those incredible juices – a traditional Mediterranean touch that shouldn’t be missed. A simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil makes the perfect side dish to balance the meal.
The beauty of this dish extends beyond its incredible taste and presentation. It’s naturally gluten-free, aligned with Mediterranean diet principles, and packed with lean protein and heart-healthy ingredients. For those following specific dietary plans, it’s easily adaptable – simply omit the feta for a dairy-free version, or substitute the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer to cook without alcohol.
This One-Pan Mediterranean Baked Halibut isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience – a culinary passport to coastal Mediterranean living, where meals are meant to be savored slowly among friends and family. As you enjoy each flavorful bite, you might just find yourself planning your next coastal vacation or, at the very least, your next seafood dinner. With minimal cleanup and maximum impact, this dish proves that extraordinary meals don’t require extraordinary effort – just quality ingredients and a touch of Mediterranean wisdom.
