Today’s shaved asparagus and spinach salad is just that…all about the green. Raw asparagus is shaved into ribbons and tossed with baby spinach and handfuls of fresh herbs.
Place the pancetta in a small non-stick sauté pan set over medium heat. Cook until browned and crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve.
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and add the tips. Blanch until bright green and barely tenders, about 2 mins. Plunge the blanched tips into ice water to stop the cooking and then drain.
Use a vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus stalks into very thin strips. Place the asparagus stalk at the edge of the counter or on top of the handle of kitchen spoon or spatula for easy shaving.