Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray. Ensure the dish is large enough to hold all salmon fillets in a single layer to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then remove from heat. Avoid browning the garlic to maintain a sweet flavor.

Place salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin-side down. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the fillets. Ensure seasoning covers all surfaces for maximum flavor.

Use a basting brush to coat each fillet with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface of each fillet. Reserve some of the mixture for basting during cooking.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.

Halfway through baking, remove the dish from the oven. Baste the salmon with the reserved garlic butter. Return the dish to the oven to finish cooking. This step ensures the salmon stays moist and flavorful.

Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of each fillet. Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the presentation and add freshness.

Carefully transfer each fillet to a serving plate. Arrange lemon slices or wedges alongside the salmon. Serve immediately while the salmon is warm. The presentation should be elegant yet simple.