Summer Sausage Cobb Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Summer Sausage Cobb Salad is the ultimate fusion of fresh, crisp vegetables and rich, flavorful proteins. The addition of summer sausage adds a deliciously savory element, and when paired with creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and crispy bacon, each bite is a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. It’s an easy, customizable dish that can be enjoyed as a meal on its own or served as a side. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or simply looking for a light yet filling meal, this salad will surely hit the spot.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 ripe avocado, sliced

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta cheese)

• 3-4 oz summer sausage, sliced

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (for dressing)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for dressing)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set the dressing aside.

2. Assemble the salad: On a large platter or in a salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.

3. Add the toppings: Arrange the slices of summer sausage, hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, and blue cheese on top of the salad. You can group the toppings into sections for a more classic Cobb-style presentation, or toss everything together for a more casual look.

4. Drizzle the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together to coat, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add their own.

5. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, flavorful salad!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes (if you need to cook the bacon)

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Skip the summer sausage and bacon and add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You could also use chickpeas or tofu for added protein.

• Different meats: You can swap the summer sausage for other protein-packed meats like grilled chicken, turkey, or steak.

• Cheese swap: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feta cheese or goat cheese are excellent alternatives that pair well with the other ingredients.

• Add crunch: For extra texture, try adding sunflower seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, or croutons to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

• Reheating: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover meat (such as summer sausage or bacon), you can heat it up in a pan before adding it to the salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. However, it’s best to add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute summer sausage with other types of sausage like turkey sausage, smoked sausage, or even grilled chicken sausage for a different flavor.

Is this salad low-carb?

Yes! This salad is naturally low in carbs, especially if you skip any high-carb toppings like croutons.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! If you don’t like blue cheese, you can substitute with feta cheese, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar.

Can I add other veggies to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies such as bell peppers, radishes, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I make this salad spicy?

For a spicy twist, add some sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or swap it out for a dairy-free option like vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes, you can swap out the vinaigrette for a creamy dressing like ranch, Caesar, or a balsamic glaze for a different flavor profile.

How long will leftovers last?

This salad will last for up to 1 day in the fridge. However, once dressed, it’s best eaten immediately to preserve freshness. Store the dressing separately if you want to keep leftovers for a day or two.

Can I make this a meal prep salad?

Yes! To meal prep, assemble the salad in individual containers, keeping the dressing and avocado separate until ready to serve.

Conclusion

The Summer Sausage Cobb Salad is a fresh and satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds—crisp vegetables and protein-packed toppings—into a single hearty salad. With the savory richness of summer sausage, creamy avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even as a light yet filling meal for gatherings. Easy to make, flavorful, and versatile, this salad will quickly become a favorite for any salad lover. Enjoy!