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If you’re looking to bring a burst of vibrant flavor and freshness to your holiday menu, our poached cod with citrus salad recipe is an inspired choice. This dish is light, elegant, and packed with bright, sunny flavors—perfect for balancing richer, traditional Thanksgiving sides. One bite, and you and your guests will feel transported to a tropical seaside resort.

At the heart of this dish is delicate, flaky cod, gently poached to perfection and resting on a bed of thinly sliced oranges and limes. Tossed in a citrus dressing made from fresh orange and lime juice, with a touch of zest to enhance the aroma, the salad pairs beautifully with peppery arugula for a fresh, green base. The result is a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful, with a perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and the clean taste of perfectly cooked fish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb cod fillets, skin removed
• 1 orange, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 lime, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for garnish

Directions for Poached Cod with Citrus Salad

1. Prepare the citrus dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, lime zest, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust to balance the sweetness and acidity.
2. Poach the cod:
   In a wide skillet, bring about 1 inch of water (or a mix of water and white wine for extra flavor) to a gentle simmer. Add a pinch of salt and carefully lay the cod fillets in the liquid. Poach for 5–7 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the salad:
   On a serving platter, lay down a bed of arugula. Arrange the citrus slices evenly on top, then gently place the poached cod fillets over the fruit. Drizzle with the prepared citrus dressing.
4. Finish and serve:
   Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for a bright, refreshing addition to your meal.

Why This Dish Works for Thanksgiving

Poached cod with citrus salad is light yet flavorful, offering a welcome contrast to richer, heavier holiday dishes. Seafood is naturally high in nutrients, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to complement almost any Thanksgiving menu. Pair it with traditional sides like roasted vegetables or a creamy gratin, and you’ve got a well-rounded plate that feels celebratory and fresh.

Effortless, Fresh Ingredients Delivered by Wholey

One of the joys of making a standout dish like this is starting with the freshest ingredients. We deliver premium, sustainably sourced fresh seafood directly to your doorstep, so you can focus on cooking and entertaining without worrying about crowded grocery stores or compromised quality. Fresh, flavorful fish is the key to a truly memorable citrus-poached cod dish, and Wholey makes it effortless.

A Dish to Brighten Any Holiday Table

This poached cod with citrus salad recipe is proof that traditional holiday meals can also be exciting, light, and sophisticated. It’s a dish that wakes up the taste buds, adds color to the plate, and brings a touch of tropical sunshine to your Thanksgiving table.