Summer Cobb Salad

Everything you love about a Cobb salad, elevated with summer strawberries and a bold cilantro vinaigrette.

(originally published June 2023; updated March 2026)

Who’s in the Mood for a Big Salad?

I am ALWAYS in the mood for a big salad, and the Cobb is my forever favorite. There’s something about it that just hits differently, and this version? It has my whole heart.

This is a delightful twist on the classic Cobb that’s absolutely perfect for summertime. Think sweet strawberries, a vibrant spring mix, crunchy grilled corn, and a tangy cilantro vinaigrette, all rounded out by juicy grilled chicken, salty bacon, and the subtle creaminess of goat cheese. It’s cooling, satisfying, and honestly a little stunning to look at. Summer on a plate.

The Nutrition is Just as Good as the Flavor

Let’s talk about what makes this salad more than just pretty. Every single ingredient pulls its weight nutritionally, and as a dietitian, that genuinely excites me.

Spring Mix is the unsung hero of any great salad. It’s a blend of tender young greens, typically including arugula, spinach, radicchio, and baby lettuces, each bringing their own unique set of vitamins and minerals. You’re getting a good hit of vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate and iron. Leafy greens are also rich in nitrates, which support healthy blood pressure and circulation.

Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C (one cup gives you more than your entire daily need!), fiber, potassium, and powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which is a big deal for long-term health. Their natural sweetness here balances the savory elements beautifully.

Avocado is one of my all-time favorite foods, and not just because it tastes incredible. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from all the other ingredients in this salad. They also provide vitamins C, E, K, and a full lineup of B vitamins, plus magnesium and potassium. Basically, avocado makes everything better and more nutritious.

Grilled Corn adds a pop of sweetness and crunch, along with fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. Grilling it brings out its natural sugars and adds a slight smokiness that takes this salad to another level.

Chicken is your lean protein anchor here. A single serving gives you a substantial amount of protein alongside iron, zinc, and vitamins B3, B6, B7, and B12. Protein keeps you full, supports muscle repair, and helps stabilize blood sugar so you’re not reaching for a snack an hour later.

Eggs add even more protein and are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a nutrient essential for brain health and liver function. Hard-boiled eggs are easy, satisfying, and genuinely nutrient-dense.

Cilantro is one of my absolute favorite herbs, and I will forever be its biggest advocate. Beyond the bright, fresh flavor it brings to the vinaigrette, cilantro is rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds that support liver detoxification pathways, help prevent tumor formation, and boost digestion. It’s a powerhouse hiding in plain sight.

Goat Cheese rounds everything out with a creamy, tangy finish. It’s lower in lactose than many other cheeses and easier to digest, making it a great option if you’re sensitive to dairy. It also provides calcium, protein, and healthy fats.

Why You Will Love This Summer Cobb Salad

This salad comes together faster than you’d think. Season and grill your chicken and corn, cook and chop your bacon, then blend all the dressing ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth. Layer your spring mix in a large bowl and arrange everything on top: sliced strawberries, avocado, corn, eggs, bacon, chicken, and goat cheese. Drizzle with the cilantro vinaigrette, season with salt and pepper, and you’re done.

It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but fuels you in the best way. Nourishing, vibrant, and packed with ingredients that genuinely love your body back.

Can I tell you again how much I love a Big Salad?!