Avocado-Orange Dressing with Roasted Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, nutrient-dense side that supports skin health and reduces inflammation during Whole30 transitions. This Mediterranean-inspired Whole30 recipe, ready in about 24 minutes, blends asparagus, avocado, orange into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 14 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Trim woody ends from 16 oz asparagus and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12-14 minutes until crisp-tender.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1 large avocado in half, remove pit, and scoop flesh into a blender. Add juice from 1 orange and 1 lime, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle avocado-orange dressing over roasted asparagus just before serving. Serve immediately to prevent browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Orange Dressing with Roasted Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 24 minutes (10 min prep + 14 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Avocado-Orange Dressing with Roasted Asparagus?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Orange Dressing with Roasted Asparagus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Avocado-Orange Dressing with Roasted Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Avocado-Orange Dressing with Roasted Asparagus?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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