Go Back
–+ servings
turkish kisir salad
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Traditional Kisir Recipe (Spicy Turkish Bulgur Salad)

Kisir is a flavorful and healthy Turkish whole-grain salad made with bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, veggies, and a tangy dressing.
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish
Diet: Halal, Vegan
Servings: 6 portions
Calories: 258kcal
Author: Ayla Clulee

Equipment

  • 1 kitchen scale
  • 1 measuring spoons
  • 1 Measuring cups
  • 1 Sharp knife

Ingredients

  • 1 ⅓ cups finest grade bulgur
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon flaked chilli (pul biber)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 spring onions (sliced)
  • 1 small red onion (diced)
  • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
  • ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
  • tomatoes, cucumber slices and lettuce leaves (to garnish)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place the bulgur in a large bowl and pour boiling water on it.
  • Give it a stir and cover it with a cling film or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
  • Prepare your vegetables and herbs while resting the bulgur wheat.
  • When the bulgur absorbed all the liquid and softened, fluff it with a fork and then add the tomato paste, pepper paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, chili, black pepper, and pomegranate molasses.
  • Mix it well until it's completely incorporated and then add the chopped parsley, mint, spring onions, and red onion.
  • Give them a good stir and transfer the kisir into a salad bowl or individual bowls.
  • Garnish your salad with cucumber slices, tomatoes, and lettuce leaves.

Notes

  • Although it is very easy to make this delicious salad, it can get too dry or too soggy if you don't use the right amount of water for the bulgur. Make sure soaking the bulgur for at least 15 - 20, or until the grains are soft.
  • Don't use medium or coarse bulgur. Fine or very fine ground bulgur is best for salads including Kisir Salad.
  • Use lemon juice squeezed from fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice for a fresher and more delicious taste. 
  • Don't substitute the pomegranate molasses with any other molasses. Instead, use extra lemon juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 623mg | Potassium: 311mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1198IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg