Often hailed as one of the most delightful and simplest salads, Kisir, also known as Turkish Bulgur Salad, offers an unparalleled explosion of flavors. This vibrant dish, prepared in just about 10 minutes, combines the unique tang of pomegranate molasses with hearty bulgur, crisp spring onions, and fragrant fresh parsley. Its versatility makes it a perfect addition to any meal – serve it as a refreshing Mezze platter component, a light and satisfying lunch, an appetizer salad, or a fantastic side dish at your next barbecue. Kisir is not just a salad; it’s an addictively delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe that will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Kisir holds a special place in Turkish cuisine and culture, traditionally served to welcome guests as a symbol of hospitality. Originating from the southeastern regions of Turkey, this traditional dish embodies the rich flavors and fresh ingredients characteristic of the area. While commonly enjoyed as a salad, Kisir is also delightful when rolled into crisp lettuce leaves or served alongside grape leaves, making it a perfect light snack or appetizer.

One of the many advantages of this delectable bulgur salad is its excellent make-ahead potential. It’s an ideal recipe for preparing in a large batch, whether you’re hosting a potluck, planning for weekly lunches, or simply want to have a healthy option readily available. Kisir actually improves with time; it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious experience. This simple yet profound dish is a true testament to the beauty and depth of Turkish culinary traditions.

This Turkish salad recipe was inspired and adapted from Foodquotes, a wonderful Dutch blog that shares a passion for flavorful cuisine.

If you’re a fan of salads with a refreshingly zesty twist, you might also enjoy exploring other vibrant options. Our pomegranate orange salad offers a sweet and tart combination, while the couscous salad with chives and cucumber provides another light and aromatic choice. These salads are perfect for brightening up any meal or as a healthy, flavorful snack.

Kisir vs. Tabouleh: Unveiling the Differences Between These Beloved Bulgur Salads

While both Kisir and Tabouleh are iconic Middle Eastern bulgur salads, often mistaken for each other due to their shared core ingredient, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding these differences enhances appreciation for each unique dish.

Tabouleh: The Herbaceous Lebanese Delight

Tabbouleh, a traditional Lebanese recipe, is fundamentally a vibrant herb salad with bulgur. Its defining feature is the generous amount of finely chopped fresh parsley, which takes center stage and dominates the flavor profile. Typically, it also includes fresh mint, finely diced tomatoes, and spring onions, all dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. The bulgur in Tabouleh is usually used in a much smaller proportion compared to the herbs, acting more as a textural element and a binder rather than the main component.

Kisir: The Hearty Turkish Bulgur Salad

In contrast, Kisir is a Turkish bulgur salad where the bulgur truly holds the leading role. While fresh parsley and spring onions are essential, they complement the bulgur rather than overshadow it. Kisir distinguishes itself with the crucial addition of tomato paste (or pepper paste, *biber salçası*), which gives it a characteristic reddish hue and a deeper, more savory flavor base. Another hallmark of Kisir is the inclusion of pomegranate molasses (*nar ekşisi*), which contributes a unique sweet-sour complexity that is less common in traditional Tabouleh. Red pepper flakes (pul biber) are also frequently added, imparting a subtle warmth and spice. This combination of ingredients results in a richer, slightly spicier, and more bulgur-forward salad. Due to its similar texture and a few shared ingredients, Kisir is sometimes affectionately referred to as “Turkish tabbouleh,” though its distinct flavor profile truly makes it its own.

In essence, if Tabouleh is a celebration of fresh herbs with a bulgur accent, Kisir is a celebration of bulgur, beautifully enhanced by fresh herbs, tomato, and the distinctive sweet-sour notes of pomegranate molasses.

Essential Ingredients for Crafting Your Perfect Turkish Bulgur Wheat Salad

Creating an authentic and delicious Kisir relies on a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. While the full, detailed list can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this blog post, let’s dive into the key components that give this Turkish classic its signature taste and texture.

• Bulgur – The Heart of Kisir: Bulgur is a whole wheat product made from cracked durum wheat and comes in various grades, from fine to coarse. While coarse bulgur is commonly found in most supermarkets and often used for dishes like bulgur pilaf in Turkish cuisine, the traditional choice for Kisir is **fine bulgur wheat**. Its delicate texture absorbs flavors beautifully and requires only soaking, not cooking, making it ideal for this quick salad. If you have trouble finding fine bulgur, a well-stocked Middle Eastern grocery store (often called *aktar* or *market*) is your best bet. If only coarse bulgur is available, you can certainly use it, but be sure to cook it according to the package instructions to achieve the desired tenderness, rather than just soaking.
• Pomegranate Molasses (*Nar Ekşisi*) – The Signature Sweet-Sour Kick: This incredible syrup is made by slowly boiling down pomegranate juice until it becomes thick and sticky, boasting a wonderfully complex sweet and sour flavor. Pomegranate molasses is rich in antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C, and adds a distinctive depth to Kisir that is hard to replicate. You can typically find it in the international aisle of larger supermarkets or at Middle Eastern specialty stores, where it is known as *nar ekşisi*. If you can’t get your hands on it, acceptable substitutes include fresh lemon juice for tartness, verjuice (sour juice from unripe grapes), or balsamic vinegar, or even a combination of these to try and mimic its unique profile.
• Tomato Paste – For Color and Umami Depth: While not universally included in every Kisir variation, tomato paste (or sometimes a combination with red pepper paste, *biber salçası*) adds a fantastic flavor dimension and a beautiful reddish hue to the salad. Its concentrated tomato flavor contributes a rich umami note that elevates the entire dish, which is why I prefer to include it in this recipe.
• Fresh Herbs & Vegetables – The Essence of Freshness:
  • Spring Onion: Provides a mild, crisp onion flavor that’s essential for freshness.
  • Tomato: Juicy, ripe tomatoes, finely cubed and deseeded, add a burst of sweetness and a lovely texture to the bulgur base.
  • Parsley: Fresh, finely chopped parsley is a cornerstone of Kisir, contributing its bright, herbaceous notes and vibrant green color. It’s crucial for that authentic fresh taste.
• Red Pepper – A Touch of Spice: Finely chopped fresh red pepper adds a subtle heat and a pop of color to the salad. If fresh red pepper isn’t available or you prefer a different kind of spice, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes (like *pul biber* or chili flakes) can be used to achieve a similar warming effect.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil binds the flavors and adds a smooth, rich texture.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the tanginess alongside the pomegranate molasses, brightening all the other flavors.
• Pomegranate Seeds (Optional Garnish): For a final flourish and an extra burst of juicy, tart flavor, a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate seeds on top is highly recommended.

By bringing together these simple yet powerful ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a Kisir that’s both authentic and incredibly satisfying.

How to Prepare This Irresistible Kisir Recipe: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Making Kisir is remarkably straightforward and quick, making it an ideal recipe for a fast, healthy meal or an impressive side dish. You’ll find a printer-friendly version of this recipe at the very bottom of the blog, but here are the detailed steps to guide you through the process.

1. Hydrate the Bulgur: Begin by placing the fine bulgur in a large, heatproof salad bowl. Pour enough boiling water over the bulgur to cover it completely, ensuring there’s about ½ inch (1 cm) of water above the top of the bulgur. This allows the bulgur to properly absorb the liquid and soften. Let it stand undisturbed for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and all the water has been absorbed. You might want to gently fluff it with a fork once rested.
2. Prepare the Flavorful Dressing: While the bulgur is hydrating, prepare the vibrant dressing. In a separate small bowl, combine the tomato paste, a generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil, the distinctive pomegranate molasses, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth, aromatic sauce. This mixture will provide the base flavor for your Kisir.
3. Combine Bulgur with Dressing: Once the bulgur has absorbed all the water and is tender, add the prepared pomegranate-tomato sauce mixture to the bulgur in the large bowl. Using a spoon or your hands (gloves are recommended!), thoroughly mix the sauce into the bulgur, ensuring every grain is coated. This step is crucial for distributing the flavors evenly and giving Kisir its characteristic reddish hue.
4. Add Fresh Vegetables: Next, incorporate the crisp, diced tomato and the thin strips of red pepper into the bulgur mixture. Gently fold them in, aiming for even distribution throughout the salad. These fresh additions contribute both texture and bursts of flavor.
5. Introduce Fresh Herbs: Now, finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl. Parsley is a key ingredient, offering a refreshing, herbaceous counterpoint to the bulgur and sauces. Mix it in well, ensuring its vibrant green is visible throughout. You can also add some fresh mint at this stage for an extra layer of freshness.
6. Finish with Spring Onions and Serve: Finally, slice the spring onions into fine strips and add them to the Kisir. Give everything one last gentle mix. Your Kisir is now ready! You can serve this salad immediately while it’s still slightly lukewarm, or for an even more enhanced flavor, refrigerate it for a couple of hours or overnight. As mentioned, the flavors meld beautifully when chilled, making it even more delicious the next day. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate seeds before serving for extra visual appeal and a pop of tartness.

Enjoy this wonderfully easy and flavorful Turkish classic!

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of yours! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more culinary inspiration?

• You can find a variety of video recipes and cooking tips on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save your favorite recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time for effortless meal planning!

Andréa