BBQ Burger & Pasta Salad

Here's a meal prep that's perfect for grilling season! Meal Prep BBQ Burgers & Pasta Salad...  think juicy burgers with BBQ grilled inside and a creamy pasta salad that's actually macro-friendly! Does it get any more "summer" than that? We don't think so!

NOTES: We used Banza chickpea elbows for added protein, but you can also use lentil pasta, your favorite gluten-free pasta, or protein plus pasta if you're not gluten intolerant. We used a calorie-free sweetener for the pasta, but feel free to use sugar since it's such a small amount. 

Meal Prep BBQ Burgers & Pasta Salad
Makes 6 servings

Burgers:
2 lbs. 93% lean ground beef
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 cup onion finely chopped
2 tbsp. low sugar BBQ sauce
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. sea salt
Pasta salad:
8 oz. gluten-free macaroni (we used Banza)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced olives
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 tbsp. white vinegar
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sweetener (or sugar)

Directions:

Start boiling water for the pasta.

Boil pasta for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Add broccoli florets towards the last minute of cooking. Then, quickly drain and rinse pasta and broccoli with cold water.

Add chopped pepper, red onion, and olives to pasta.

Combine mayo, vinegar, black pepper, salt, and sweetener then toss with pasta and vegetables. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the burgers. Form into 6-8 patties depending on your macro needs.

Place patties on a hot grill or in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 5-6 minutes on the first side, and 5-6 minutes on the second side until medium-well. Brush with a little more BBQ sauce (about 1 tsp. per burger) while they finish cooking. Set aside on a plate.

Divide chilled pasta and burgers between six meal prep containers.

Sealed containers will keep in the fridge up to one week. If reheating, reheat the burger separately then serve with cold salad.

Calories (per serving): 452kcal, Fat: 19.5g, Sat fat: 5.0g, Carbs: 31g, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 5g, Protein: 40g, Sodium: 1,031mg