 Breadcrumbs

  



   ![Alexandra Dudley’s Working Lunch](https://media.sheerluxe.com/XH-GjCnSqEcj1Mph5kq2aDlGSbA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-alexs-lunch-thumb.png?itok=zG0Db6an)

  

 

 



 

 

[Recipes](/life/food/recipes)

 /  22 October 2024  

#  Alexandra Dudley’s Working Lunch  


We’ve all been there – stuck for weekday lunch inspiration the moment Monday morning arrives. In her reimagined monthly column, SheerLuxe contributor Alexandra Dudley is serving up fresh, easy ideas – whether you work from home or like to take a lunchbox into the office. For this second instalment, she’s sharing an autumnal butternut squash salad…  


By[Alexandra Dudley](/contributors/alexandra-dudley)

  /  

[ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/43640)

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

## EATING IN 



  

An autumnal twist on a chopped salad, it’s the dressing that really makes this dish for me. The coriander seeds and cinnamon add a warming depth which is perfect this time of year. This has all the texture I crave from a good salad. Crispy chickpeas for crunch, caramelised almost gooey butternut squash and sweet chewy figs. I find large spinach leaves can be a bit awkward to eat with dressing flying everywhere so I shred them slightly, which means they hold the dressing better too. There’s enough for four days.

 

 

 

 ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/8skRXwJOP08Rycs_1jd8m-jtFJ0=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Falexandra-dudley-chopped-salad-2.png?itok=FYIfiiI7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

### Autumn Chopped Salad With Crispy Chickpeas, Butternut Squash &amp; Figs 



 

 

Ingredients

    400g of spinach leaves  

   2 bunches of mint  

   500g of shredded or roughly chopped cooked chicken  

   100g of dried figs, chopped  

   500g of roasted pecans, chopped  

 



  

 For the squash:  


   ½ butternut squash  

   Olive oil  

   Pinch of salt  

   ½ tsp of ground cumin  

   ½ tsp of ground coriander  

   ½ tsp of cinnamon  

 



  

 For the chickpeas:  


   500g jar of chickpeas, drained  

   Olive oil  

   Pinch of salt  

   ½ tsp of ground cumin  

   ½ tsp of ground coriander  

   ½ tsp of turmeric  

 



  

 For the dressing:  


   2 tsp of whole coriander seeds (or just use 1 tsp of ground coriander)  

   8 tbsp of oil  

   4 tbsp of honey  

   Juice of 2 lemons  

   1 good pinch of salt  

   ½ tsp of cinnamon  

 



  

 



Method

 Step 1 

Preheat oven to 200°C Fan. Chop the squash into 1cm cubes and place onto a large roasting tray. Drizzle generously with olive oil, a good pinch of salt and the spices and toss to coat. Cook oven for 25-30 minutes until slightly caramelised. Set aside to cool.



 Step 2 

Drain and rinse the chickpeas and place onto a tea towel to rub dry. Place onto a large roasting tray, drizzle generously with olive oil, a good pinch of salt and the spices and toss to coat. Cook for 20 minutes or until crispy and golden. Set aside to cool.



 Step 3 

Toast the coriander seeds in a dry frying pan over a low heat until fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly then crush with a pestle and mortar and set aside. If you don’t have a pestle and mortar, you can use the spice jar and bowl to do this or just use 1 teaspoon of ground coriander. Add the coriander seeds along with the rest of the dressing ingredient to a jar and shake to combine.



 Step 4 

Roughly chop the spinach and mint, tossing together in a large bowl. Layer the salads into containers starting with the spinach and mint, squash, chickpeas, chicken, figs and pecans. Take the dressing with you and pour over when it’s time for lunch. The dressing will keep out of the fridge for up to five days.



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![La Maison Ani](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ha4YYQpDoDVK9ybc1uFKqsK23qU=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fla-maison-ami.png?itok=Fba5pVyw)

 

 ](https://lamaisonanilondon.com/) 

 La Maison Ani 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

## GOING OUT 



### La Maison Ani 



  

It’s a real treat to go out for breakfast and it also happens to be one of my favourite times to have a work catch-up. There is something incredibly satisfying about brainstorming strategy over coffee and croissants and feeling like you’ve achieved something all before it’s even 9.30am. I am always on the hunt for somewhere that serves a good breakfast in London, ideally with some equally appealing interiors. La Maison Ani is my current favourite. I am working my way through its eggs section which includes all the usual suspects as well as more glamorous options such as oeufs brouillés à la truffe (truffle scrambled eggs with truffle with toasted baguette) and Oeufs Neptune *(*similar to eggs royale except that the salmon is upgraded to lobster). The shakshuka is excellent and they make a very good omelette exactly how you like it. My go-to is spinach and mushroom with lots of black pepper.

The pastry section is difficult to ignore, with za’atar croissants and cinnamon rolls practically flirting with you from the menu. The double chocolate brownie cookie has been making eyes at me for weeks. The space has a touch of glamour about it with heavy weighted silver salt and pepper mills and white tablecloths but there is a glitzy playfulness to it too, with the leading colour a peachy pink. I always feel like I can tackle the world after a breakfast here. Perhaps a pink dining room and a high protein breakfast is the secret.

*Visit* [LAMAISONANILONDON.COM](https://lamaisonanilondon.com/)

 

 

 

*For more from Alexandra, follow her* [@ALEXANDRADUDLEY](https://www.instagram.com/alexandradudley/?hl=en) *or visit* [ALEXANDRADUDLEY.COM](https://www.alexandradudley.com/)

 

 

 

 

  

## *more from*

### Life



 [View All Life](/life) 

  ![Your November Horoscope](https://media.sheerluxe.com/uy2n-HAGa_bUbJRGeiDpHaRV9h4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fhorocopes-hero-thumb.jpg?itok=sweR5Gin)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  03 November 2025  

 [##  Your November Horoscope  


 

 ](/life/your-november-horoscope-3) 

 

 

 

  ![How Adopting A Pet Can Change 2 Lives](https://media.sheerluxe.com/PAwYrWsfW8Pu6uAXfZwsg-EmIlI=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fpetare-portrait-hero-hr.jpg?itok=07Jvj0sj)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  22 October 2025  

 [##  How Adopting A Pet Can Change 2 Lives  


 

 ](/life/how-adopting-a-pet-can-change-2-lives) 

 

 

 

  ![Go Behind The Scenes At Our Sukkot Lunch](https://media.sheerluxe.com/M0hy53QXhuiSDVlmKgbdfpnPdak=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-151025-sukkot-lunch-thumb.jpg?itok=AopiPR8H)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  15 October 2025  

 [##  Go Behind The Scenes At Our Sukkot Lunch  


 

 ](/life/go-behind-the-scenes-at-our-sukkot-lunch) 

 

 

 

  ![Your October Horoscope](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DItNYr8xLEkFwB0HLUn6llPyftY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-011025-site-assets-horoscopes-hero-thumb.jpg?itok=SbqV-ogK)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  01 October 2025  

 [##  Your October Horoscope  


 

 ](/life/your-october-horoscope-5) 

 

 

 

  ![8 Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Older Relatives & Friends](https://media.sheerluxe.com/0kmT517DBBlNYu5KGXGye8gtLnQ=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F09%2Fsl-gold-150925-site-assets-gifting-thumb.jpg?itok=kRLMY4kZ)

  

 

 



 

 [Life](/gold/life)/

  15 September 2025  

 [##  8 Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Older Relatives &amp; Friends  


 

 ](/life/8-thoughtful-gift-ideas-for-older-relatives-friends) 

 

 

 

  ![The Name To Know For Sophisticated & Compassionate Care In Later Life ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ExxwhSEbX-WY5sHl3sEbpuGnPhY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F09%2Fsl-gold-150925-site-assets-kyn-comm-thumb.jpg?itok=zfYPm91c)

  

 

 



 

 [Life](/gold/life)/

  15 September 2025  

 [##  The Name To Know For Sophisticated &amp; Compassionate Care In Later Life  


 

 ](/life/the-name-to-know-for-sophisticated-compassionate-care-in-later-life) 

 

 

 

  ![9 One-Pan Meals To Make At Home](https://media.sheerluxe.com/1HDw4m7bSAhDYzGWQhxyCjSEZxY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-281025-thumb-hero-one-pan-meals.jpg?itok=ONIIS5Bh)

  

 

 



 

[Recipes](/life/food/recipes)

/

  28 October 2025  

 [##  9 One-Pan Meals To Make At Home  


 

 ](/life/food/recipes/one-pan-recipes) 

 

 

 

  ![Alexandra Dudley’s Seasonal Spotlight: October](https://media.sheerluxe.com/vc7qbcOCSH84PyXoHEh_2Gb8Y1E=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-211025-thumb-alexandra-dudley-ingredient-focus.jpg?itok=GyeiUcbD)

  

 

 



 

[Recipes](/life/food/recipes)

/

  21 October 2025  

 [##  Alexandra Dudley’s Seasonal Spotlight: October  


 

 ](/life/food/recipes/alexandra-dudleys-seasonal-spotlight-october) 

 

 

 

  ![How To Entertain This Month, With Alexandra Dudley](https://media.sheerluxe.com/zAGoVLFgpyA0jJTVZm0fuEZDgu4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fportrait-alexandra-d-entertaining.jpg?itok=LNS8PP3i)

  

 

 



 

[Recipes](/life/food/recipes)

/

  07 October 2025  

 [##  How To Entertain This Month, With Alexandra Dudley  


 

 ](/life/food/recipes/how-to-entertain-this-month-with-alexandra-dudley-21) 

 

 

 

  ![A Cool Chef Shares 3 Recipes & A Cook-Along Playlist](https://media.sheerluxe.com/8HX9C8lnC1hqUtqFhcI7fv96-1A=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-011025-site-assets-plates-playlist-hero-thumb.jpg?itok=B_m_eYPB)

  

 

 



 

[Recipes](/life/food/recipes)

/

  01 October 2025  

 [##  A Cool Chef Shares 3 Recipes &amp; A Cook-Along Playlist  


 

 ](/life/food/recipes/a-cool-chef-shares-3-recipes-a-cook-along-playlist) 

 

 

 

  ![7 Easy Mid-Week Recipes Under 30 Minutes](https://media.sheerluxe.com/bJKnVjpsAJifaeybZHsTdd8mLVE=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-100925-thumbhero-mid-week-healthy-meals-under-30.jpg?itok=QN_lbrFz)

  

 

 ![7 Easy Mid-Week Recipes Under 30 Minutes](https://media.sheerluxe.com/3vMqOjzACDqvc7rOj6XoA2rLtEs=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-100925-thumbhero-mid-week-healthy-meals-under-30.jpg?itok=NIGYj8x4)

 

 

 



 

[Recipes](/life/food/recipes)

/

  10 September 2025  

 [##  7 Easy Mid-Week Recipes Under 30 Minutes  


 

 ](/life/food/recipes/mid-week-recipe-ideas) 

 

 

 

  ![How To Entertain This Month, With Alexandra Dudley](https://media.sheerluxe.com/AaLP82mnFYffNdo3svpM3eEbxkc=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F09%2Fsl-email-090925-alexandra-dudley-entertaining-2.jpg?itok=eAJVVrdP)

  

 

 



 

[Recipes](/life/food/recipes)

/

  09 September 2025  

 [##  How To Entertain This Month, With Alexandra Dudley  


 

 ](/life/food/recipes/how-to-entertain-this-month-with-alexandra-dudley-20) 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 



  

 Share This Story

 [Facebook

 ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Flife%2Ffood%2Frecipes%2Falexandra-dudleys-working-lunch&t=Alexandra+Dudley%E2%80%99s+Working+Lunch) [ Pinterest

 ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Flife%2Ffood%2Frecipes%2Falexandra-dudleys-working-lunch&description=Alexandra+Dudley%E2%80%99s+Working+Lunch&media=) [ E-mail

 ](<mailto:?subject=Alexandra Dudley’s Working Lunch&body=Hi%0A%0AI&#039;ve just read this article https://sheerluxe.com/life/food/recipes/alexandra-dudleys-working-lunch and thought you might like it, too.%0A%0ASheerLuxe is your in-the-know friend keeping you up to date with everything new in fashion, beauty, culture, lifestyle %26 home.%0A%0AYou can sign up for the FREE daily newsletter here. https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsignup%3Fseed%3Dsharing%26utm_source%3DWebsite%26utm_medium%3DSL%26utm_campaign%3DEmail%26utm_id%3DSharing>) 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at <info@sheerluxe.com>.

 

 

 

  ##  Fashion. Beauty. Culture. Life. Home 

###  Delivered to your inbox, daily 

 [Subscribe](/signup)