Baked Pesto Salmon

Preparing family style meals is a simple way to serve dishes that are both practical and effortless, especially when cooking for parties, gatherings, or family dinners. One of my favorite dishes to serve this way is salmon. I take a whole half side of boneless salmon and bake it in the oven until it is just cooked through. This leaves it slightly flakey and very tender.

Most of the time when I cook salmon, if I plan on grilling it, I fillet it into smaller individual portions. It is easier to handle when in single serving size pieces. However, if I am a large group of people over I will always bake whole half sides of salmon and allow people to serve themselves as much or little as they please. Baking salmon this way is practically fail proof when baking at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes. The texture is buttery tender and the fish itself is forgiving when it is cooked a few minutes longer than normal.

This recipe seasons the salmon with pesto, lemons, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. The popular garlic-basil condiment compliments the salmon without overpowering it with its flavor. The lemon adds a bit of acidity to balance everything out for one flavorful dish. With Easter quickly approaching, this dish would make a lovely addition to your holiday brunch or anytime you have a gathering.