🌿 Kisir Recipe (Turkish Bulgur Salad)
🥗 What is Kisir?
Kisir is a fresh, tangy Turkish salad made with fine bulgur, tomato paste, herbs, and olive oil. It’s similar to but richer in flavor thanks to spices and pomegranate molasses.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Kısır Recipe
🌿 1. Fresh, Bright & Flavor-Packed
Kısır is bursting with lemony, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of bulgur, tomato paste, herbs, and olive oil creates a refreshing dish that feels light but deeply satisfying.
⏱️ 2. Quick & Easy to Make
No complicated steps here!
👉 Just soak bulgur, mix ingredients, and it’s ready.
Perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
🥗 3. Healthy & Nutritious
- Rich in fiber (bulgur)
- Loaded with fresh herbs & veggies
- Uses healthy fats (olive oil)
👉 A great option if you want something light yet filling
🍽️ 4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Kısır works as:
- A side dish with grilled meats
- A light lunch
- A party mezze
👉 Very versatile and always a crowd favorite
🌍 5. Authentic Turkish Street & Home Flavor
This dish brings the true taste of Turkish cuisine into your kitchen — simple ingredients, bold flavors, and traditional charm.
🧊 6. Great for Make-Ahead Meals
- Tastes even better after chilling
- Ideal for meal prep
- Easy to store and serve later
💰 7. Budget-Friendly
Uses simple, affordable ingredients
👉 Perfect for feeding a family without spending much
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 cup fine bulgur (köftelik bulgur)
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp red pepper paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2–3 green onions (chopped)
- 1/2 cup parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 small cucumber (optional, diced)
- 1 tomato (finely diced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp cumin
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Soak Bulgur
Place bulgur in a bowl and pour hot water over it. Cover and let it soften for 10–15 minutes. -
Mix the Base
Add tomato paste, red pepper paste, olive oil, and pomegranate molasses. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. -
Add Vegetables
Stir in onion, green onions, parsley, cucumber, and tomato. -
Season & Finish
Add lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes, and cumin. Mix well. -
Rest & Serve
Let it sit for 10 minutes for flavors to blend. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve in lettuce leaves for a fresh wrap-style bite
- Pair with grilled meats like kebabs or chicken
- Add to a mezze platter with hummus and yogurt dips
- Enjoy with stuffed grape leaves (dolma)
- Serve as a light lunch or side dish
❓ FAQs
1. Can I make kisir ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors develop.
2. What type of bulgur should I use?
Use fine bulgur for authentic texture. Coarse bulgur won’t absorb flavors properly.
3. Is kisir healthy?
Absolutely—it's rich in fiber, healthy fats, and fresh herbs.
4. Can I skip pomegranate molasses?
You can substitute with extra lemon juice, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
5. How long does it last?
Store in the fridge for up to 2–3 days in an airtight container.
🔗 Similar Recipes
- Tabbouleh Salad – A lighter parsley-forward Middle Eastern classic
- Lebanese Fattoush – Crunchy salad with toasted pita
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad – Quick and versatile grain salad
- Turkish Lentil Köfte (Mercimek Köftesi) – Another bulgur-based mezze
- Greek Orzo Salad – Pasta-based alternative with fresh veggies
💭 Final Thoughts
Kisir is one of those recipes that combines simplicity with bold flavor. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile.

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