I think a strong ASX dividend share should offer more than a generous income return today.
I also want to see earnings that can support the payout and a clear path for the dividend to grow over time.
With that in mind, these are three ASX dividend shares I would be happy to load up on this month.
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Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)
Coles is my first pick because grocery demand should remain relatively steady across different economic conditions.
The company is also becoming more efficient. Its automated distribution centres are lowering supply chain costs, while its customer fulfilment centres are supporting rapid online growth.
These investments are starting to show up in the financial performance. Supermarkets earnings before interest and tax increased by 14.6% during the first half of FY26, while e-commerce sales grew by 27%. Coles increased its fully franked interim dividend by 10.8% to 41 cents per share following the stronger result.
I think the combination of defensive demand, improving efficiency, and digital growth gives Coles a strong foundation for future dividends.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Telstra is another dividend share I would consider buying heavily this month.
Mobile and internet access have become essential services for households and businesses. Telstra's network scale and continuing infrastructure investment should help it retain customers and support gradual price growth.
Its mobile division remains the main engine of the business. Mobile services revenue increased by 5.6% during the first half of FY26, while cost reductions helped cash earnings before interest and tax rise by 14%. This earnings growth allowed Telstra to increase its interim dividend to 10.5 cents per share.
Management is aiming for mid-single-digit annual growth in cash earnings under its Connected Future 30 strategy. I believe that could support further dividend increases while giving shareholders some potential for capital growth.
Amcor plc (ASX: AMC)
Amcor is my final dividend pick. The company produces packaging for food, beverages, healthcare products, and other everyday goods. Demand can still fluctuate, although its exposure to essential consumer categories gives the business relatively defensive qualities.
The recent combination with Berry Global has also created a much larger company with more opportunities to lower costs and improve margins.
Amcor now expects approximately US$270 million of pre-tax merger synergies in FY26. Management believes this will help adjusted earnings per share grow by around 12% at the midpoint of its guidance.
The integration creates execution risk, and Amcor is carrying more debt following the transaction. Even so, I think the expected earnings and cash flow benefits should strengthen the company's capacity to keep rewarding shareholders over the long term.
Foolish takeaway
Coles, Telstra, and Amcor each offer an attractive combination of income and steady earnings.
Their dividends are supported by different parts of the economy, and I would be comfortable buying all three this month with the intention of holding for years.
