One of my favorite summer salads with thin slices of roasted asparagus tossed in a bright and tangy lemon vinaigrette, creamy pine nuts, and topped with a generous amount of crispy prosciutto, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone you know! Summer is the time for salads and this one takes the cake, it is so good my family never leaves any leftovers! Keep this salad Paleo and Whole30 friendly buy adding a no sugar added prosciutto!

Is prosciutto Paleo and Whole30 friendly?

Typically, prosciutto is made with Paleo and Whole30 friendly ingredients (only pork and salt), but be sure to check your labels to make sure there isn’t any added sugars!  Keep in mind anything cured with pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, and pure honey are still compliant, however, any food that contains sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, or corn syrup is not considered Paleo or Whole30 compliant.

Why Asparagus is So Good For You!

Asparagus is part of the lily family of plants and is formally known as Asparagus officinalis, which comes in white, green and purple varieties. This tasty and fragrant vegetable is full of nutrients and fiber and is a fabulous addition to any whole food diet!

Vitamins

• Vitamin A (beta-carotene): Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress and is also converted to vitamin A in the body.  Vitamin A  is essential in the health of your eyes, skin, bones, kidneys, and lungs.
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Converts carbohydrates to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which supports energy production [1].
• Vitamin B9 (folate): This vitamin is essential in the production of your genetic material (DNA and RNA), supports metabolism, and works with other B vitamins in regulating homocysteine [2].
• Vitamin C:  A powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress, improves the absorption of non-heme iron, supports the immune system, and healthy bones [3].
• Vitamin K: Vitamin K1 is essential in your body’s clotting ability and is converted to vitamin K2 in your gut.  Vitamin K2 is essential in maintaining healthy bones and skin.
• Vitamin E: This essential fat-soluble vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in reducing oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that may result in illness or disease.  Vitamin E is essential in vision health, skin health, and reproductive health [4].

Minerals

• Iron: The iron in pasta, like all plant sources of iron is non-heme iron. Iron is necessary in the production of hemoglobin, supports the endocrine system, and is necessary in growth and development [5].
• Phosphorous: Supports healthy teeth and bones, muscle recovery after working out, and detoxification.
• Potassium:  An essential electrolyte necessary in nervous system function, metabolism,  hydration, and in regulating your heartbeat.
• Zinc: Essential in digestion, thyroid health, and a healthy immune system.

Fiber

Asparagus has a great amount of insoluble and soluble fiber to support a healthy digestive system and microbiome.  The fiber in asparagus supports both healthy blood sugars and a healthy cardiovascular system.

Antioxidants

• Quercetin is an antioxidant that reduces oxidation, fight inflammation, and supports a healthy immune system [6].
• Isorhamnetin: a phytonutrient that acts as antioxidant to support heart health and is associated with the prevention of diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
• Kaempferol: A polyphenol antioxidant that has shown to fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress [7].
• Glutathione: a powerhouse antioxidant that is created in the liver and found in many foods such as asparagus, and supports the creation of DNA, reducing oxidative stress, detoxification, and so much more [8].

So grab some lovely asparagus and let’s get cooking!

Shaved Asparagus Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto Ingredients

Serves 2-4

2 lb Asparagus (fat asparagus work best)

Zest of 1 Lemon

½ Fresh Lemon, juiced

2 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp EVOO or Avocado Oil

1-2 Cloves of Garlic

1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt or Pink Salt

½ tsp Ground Black Pepper

¼ cup Raw Pine Nuts or Pinoli

4 oz Prosciutto

How to Make Shaved Asparagus Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. Layer the prosciutto onto a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 12-15 mins until browned and crispy.

3. Remove from the oven and place parchment on the counter to allow prosciutto to cool completely, it will continue to crisp as it cools.

4. Preheat the broiler.

5. Shave the asparagus* with a vegetable peeler, a Y peeler is the easiest. 

*If you have larger pieces leftover, roast separately for lunch tomorrow! 

6. Add the shaved asparagus to a large bow and toss with 1 Tablespoon of EVOO. 

7. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer and broil for 4-5 minutes until lightly charred.

8. In the same bowl you tossed the asparagus and EVOO in, add the 2 Tablespoons of EVOO, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper and stir to combine.

9. When asparagus is done, transfer to the bowl with the lemon garlic vinaigrette, and toss to evenly coat.

10. Top with pine nuts and crumble the crispy prosciutto over before serving.

Enjoy!

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FAQs

Q: Can I use a mandolin to shave the asparagus?

A: Yes, just be very careful, I’d recommend using cut proof gloves since the asparagus is so small. Once

Q: What would you recommend to use in place of the prosciutto?

A: If you can’t find a high quality prosciutto or if the ones you find contain sugar, you can substitute a sugar free bacon or pancetta. Just dice it really fine and fry is up until it’s nice and crispy!

Q: How long with asparagus salad keep?

A: This dish doesn’t last very long in my house, however, if you have leftovers, it is best to consume within 24-48 hours.

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