Vibrant Turkish Bulgur Salad

Discover the refreshing taste of the Mediterranean with this authentic Turkish Bulgur Salad, widely known as Kisir Salad. A staple in Turkish cuisine, this vibrant dish offers an exquisite blend of flavors and textures, perfect as a light main course or a delightful side. Crafted from finely cooked bulgur wheat, Kisir is generously mixed with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a distinctive tangy, savory dressing that promises a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of Turkey.

Bowl of Turkish Kisir Salad garnished with fresh tomatoes, black olives, and thinly sliced radish, ready to be served.

Kisir Salad is celebrated for its harmonious balance of earthy bulgur, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing. It stands out as a healthy, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying option for anyone seeking a wholesome and balanced diet. Its remarkable versatility makes it a beloved dish for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners with family to elegant festive gatherings and lively summer picnics. This recipe will guide you through creating a truly authentic Kisir, ensuring a burst of freshness and Mediterranean charm in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Adore This Kisir Bulgur Salad Recipe

This Turkish Bulgur Salad isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that captivates the senses and nourishes the body. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen:

  • Nutritious Powerhouse: Kisir Salad is brimming with essential nutrients. Bulgur wheat, its primary ingredient, is a whole grain rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and sustained energy. Combined with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, it delivers a generous dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a health-conscious lifestyle.
  • Bursting with Flavor: Prepare for a symphony of tastes! The recipe masterfully combines the subtle nuttiness of bulgur with the bright zest of lemon juice, the sweet tang of pomegranate molasses, and the invigorating aroma of fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Each bite offers a refreshing and deeply satisfying flavor profile that is both savory and slightly piquant.
  • Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let its gourmet taste fool you – Kisir Salad is remarkably simple to prepare. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy individuals or those new to Mediterranean cooking. Most of the preparation involves chopping fresh ingredients and allowing the bulgur to absorb the vibrant dressing.
  • Incredibly Versatile: The beauty of Kisir lies in its adaptability. Serve it as a refreshing light lunch, a vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or as a key component of a larger Mediterranean mezze spread. It’s also an ideal dish for meal prepping, as its flavors often deepen and improve overnight.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Unlike many salads that wilt quickly, Kisir holds up exceptionally well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for advance preparation. Its robust ingredients and bulgur base mean it stays fresh and flavorful for days, ideal for packed lunches or quick meals.
  • Diet-Friendly and Customizable: Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan, Kisir can be adapted to various dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, simply substitute bulgur with quinoa. You can also add protein sources like chickpeas, lentils, or grilled chicken to create a more substantial and fulfilling meal.

What is Bulgur Wheat? An Essential Mediterranean Grain

Bulgur wheat is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, renowned for its quick cooking time and distinct nutty flavor. It is a form of dried cracked wheat, typically made from durum wheat. Unlike other whole grains that require extensive cooking, bulgur has been parboiled, dried, and then cracked, which significantly reduces its preparation time. This ancient grain originated in the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin thousands of years ago, making it a foundational ingredient in many traditional dishes.

Types of Bulgur Wheat and Their Uses

Bulgur is generally categorized by its grind size, which dictates its cooking time and suitability for different recipes:

  • Fine Bulgur (#1): The finest grind, it requires no cooking and is simply soaked in hot water or lemon juice. It’s famously used in dishes like Tabbouleh and Lebanese Kibbeh. Its delicate texture is perfect for light salads.
  • Medium Bulgur (#2): Slightly coarser than fine bulgur, this type is also often soaked, or requires a very short cooking time. It’s versatile and can be used in many salads or pilafs.
  • Coarse Bulgur (#3): This is the type typically used in Turkish Kisir Salad and many bulgur pilafs. It has a chewier texture and requires simmering for about 15-20 minutes. It absorbs flavors wonderfully and maintains a satisfying bite.
  • Extra Coarse Bulgur (#4): The largest grind, best suited for hearty stews or as a rice substitute, offering a very robust texture.

For this Kisir recipe, we specifically recommend using coarse bulgur (often labeled as #3). Its slightly chewy texture is ideal for soaking up the dressing and complementing the crisp vegetables, giving the salad its characteristic mouthfeel. Ensure you purchase “peeled” or “cracked” bulgur, as whole bulgur has a different cooking requirement.

Nutritional Benefits of Bulgur Wheat

Bulgur wheat is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy:

  • Rich in Fiber: As a whole grain, bulgur is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
  • Packed with Nutrients: It provides a good amount of essential minerals such as manganese, magnesium, and iron, along with B vitamins.
  • Low Glycemic Index: Bulgur has a relatively low glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar compared to refined grains, making it a suitable choice for managing blood sugar.

The Essential Ingredients for Authentic Turkish Kisir Salad

Ingredients for Turkish bulgur salad (Kisir) meticulously laid out on a countertop, including bulgur, fresh vegetables, herbs, and various dressing components.

Crafting the perfect Kisir requires a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the salad’s signature flavor and vibrant appearance:

  • Bulgur Wheat: The heart of Kisir Salad. Opt for coarse, cracked, and peeled bulgur wheat for the best texture and absorption of flavors. Its inherent nutty taste provides a wonderful base for the other ingredients.
  • Fresh Vegetables: A medley of finely chopped tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant red bell peppers contributes juiciness, crunch, and a beautiful spectrum of colors. These fresh elements are key to the salad’s refreshing quality.
  • Aromatic Herbs: Fresh parsley, green onions, and mint are indispensable. Parsley provides a clean, earthy note, mint offers a cooling, bright zest, and green onions add a mild, pungent kick, elevating the dish with their herbaceous freshness.
  • Flavorful Dressing Components:
    • Olive Oil: A generous amount of good quality extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing, carrying the flavors beautifully.
    • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is vital for the salad’s characteristic tanginess and bright, citrusy aroma.
    • Tomato Paste: Adds a deep umami flavor and contributes to the Kisir’s attractive reddish hue, giving it a more robust taste profile.
    • Red Pepper Paste: Often a mild red pepper paste (biber salçası in Turkish), it enhances the salad’s color and introduces a subtle, sweet pepper flavor without significant heat. This is distinct from tomato paste, adding another layer of complexity.
    • Pomegranate Molasses: This thick, tangy, and slightly sweet syrup is a non-negotiable ingredient for authentic Kisir. It imparts a unique sweet-sour complexity that balances all the other flavors beautifully.
    • Spices: Cumin, paprika, and black pepper are essential. Cumin adds an earthy warmth, paprika provides a mild sweetness and color, and black pepper brings a subtle heat, all contributing to the salad’s well-rounded spice profile.
  • Seasoning: Salt and pepper are fundamental for enhancing and balancing the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing them together harmoniously.

Ingredient Substitutions and Creative Variations

While the traditional Kisir recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to experiment with substitutions and additions to suit your taste or available ingredients:

  • Bulgur Wheat Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, substitute bulgur with cooked quinoa or even millet. The texture will be different, but the flavor profile can be maintained.
  • Spice Adjustments: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a finely diced fresh chili to the dressing. For a smokier note, smoked paprika can be a great addition.
  • Red Pepper Paste Substitutes: If authentic Turkish red pepper paste is hard to find, you can use a mild chili paste, harissa paste (use sparingly as it’s often spicier), or even increase the amount of tomato paste and add a tiny bit of sweet paprika.
  • Bell Pepper Variations: While red bell peppers are traditional for their sweetness and color, yellow or orange bell peppers can be used for a similar taste and a different visual appeal. Roasted red peppers, jarred or homemade, offer a sweet and smoky depth of flavor.
  • Adding More Vegetables: Enhance the salad with other fresh vegetables like finely diced radishes for an extra peppery crunch, shredded carrots for sweetness, or finely chopped spring greens for added texture.
  • Introducing Protein: To transform Kisir into a more substantial main meal, mix in cooked chickpeas, black beans, lentils, crumbled feta cheese, or even grilled chicken or lamb.
  • Herb Alternatives: While parsley and mint are classic, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for different flavor nuances.
  • Olive and Nut Additions: Kalamata olives or other pitted black olives can add a briny, savory depth. Toasted pine nuts or walnuts can contribute a delightful crunch and extra richness.
  • Citrus Alternatives: While lemon is standard, a splash of lime juice could offer a slightly different citrusy note.

Mastering the Art of Cooking Bulgur Wheat for Kisir

Cooking bulgur wheat correctly is crucial for the perfect Kisir Salad. The goal is to achieve tender yet distinct grains that are not mushy, allowing them to absorb the vibrant dressing without becoming waterlogged. For this recipe, we specifically use coarse bulgur, which is typically labeled as #3 (with #1 being the finest and #2 being semi-coarse). While some recipes might call for finer bulgur, the coarse variety provides a satisfying, chewy texture that complements the fresh vegetables wonderfully. This type of bulgur requires a slightly longer cooking time compared to its finer counterparts.

Follow these steps to ensure your bulgur is perfectly prepared:

Step 1: Rinsed bulgur wheat in a pot before boiling, next to a measuring cup of water.
Step 1: Rinse and Boil. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the bulgur under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any excess starch. In a pot, bring 1.5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the rinsed bulgur to the boiling water and stir well to combine. Allow it to come back to a boil.
Step 2: Cooked bulgur wheat in a pot with the lid off, showing fluffy grains.
Step 2: Simmer and Fluff. Once the bulgur resumes boiling, immediately cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Allow the bulgur to cook gently for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Cooking times can vary slightly by brand, so check for tenderness. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and take off the lid. Using a fork, fluff the bulgur grains to separate them. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before proceeding to the next steps.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Bulgur:

  • Water Ratio: The 1.5 cups of water to 1 cup of coarse bulgur is a general guideline. Always check your bulgur package for specific instructions, as ratios can differ slightly.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked bulgur can become mushy. Keep a close eye on it during the final minutes of cooking.
  • Resting Period: The resting time after cooking is essential. It allows the bulgur to steam further and separate, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kisir)

Once your bulgur is perfectly cooked and fluffed, assembling the Kisir Salad is a delightful process that brings all the fresh flavors together. Follow these simple steps for a truly authentic and delicious result:

Kisir salad dressing ingredients, including olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and spices, whisked together in a small bowl.
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing and Vegetables. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This is your vibrant, tangy dressing. Set it aside. Next, wash and meticulously chop all your fresh vegetables—cucumber, red bell pepper, green onion, parsley, and mint—into petite, uniform dice. Set them aside as well. Uniform chopping ensures a balanced texture in every bite.
Tomato paste and red pepper paste mixture in a shallow pan before cooking, with olive oil.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Paste Base. In a shallow pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the tomato paste and red pepper paste to the warm oil. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes, allowing the pastes to gently simmer and develop their deep, rich flavors. This step is crucial as it cooks out the raw taste of the pastes and enhances their sweetness and umami. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in one tablespoon of water to loosen the sauce slightly, mixing thoroughly.
Cooked tomato and red pepper paste mixture in a pan, glossy and rich in color.
Step 3: Combine Bulgur with the Paste. Take your cooled, fluffed bulgur wheat and add it directly into the pan with the cooked tomato and red pepper paste mixture. Using a spoon or your hands (wearing gloves is recommended to avoid staining), mix everything together thoroughly. Ensure that every grain of bulgur is evenly coated with the rich, aromatic paste. This step infuses the bulgur with a foundational layer of flavor and gives Kisir its characteristic reddish hue. Let this bulgur mixture cool down for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further and to prevent the fresh herbs from wilting too quickly.
Fluffy, cooked bulgur wheat mixed with tomato and red pepper paste in a pan, before adding fresh vegetables.
Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Vegetables and Dressing. Transfer the cooled, flavored bulgur mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add all of your finely chopped fresh vegetables and herbs that you prepared earlier. Pour the whisked tangy dressing generously over the bulgur and vegetable mixture. Gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients until everything is perfectly combined and evenly distributed. The salad should look vibrant and cohesive. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or pomegranate molasses to achieve your desired flavor balance.
A large bowl of Turkish Kisir Salad, vibrant and mixed, with all ingredients visible and ready for serving.
Step 5: Final Presentation and Serving. Your Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kisir) is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately at room temperature for the freshest taste, or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and meld further, especially refreshing on a warm day. Garnish your Kisir with additional fresh herbs, a few slices of fresh tomatoes, black olives, chopped radishes, or thinly sliced red onions for extra visual appeal and texture. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a protein of your choice. Kisir is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome flavors!
Ingredients of kisir salad, including bulgur, mixed vegetables, and a bowl of dressing, arranged before final combination.
Bowl of Turkish Kisir Salad garnished with tomatoes, olives, and radish, beautifully presented for serving.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Ultimate Kisir Salad

Achieving a truly outstanding Turkish Bulgur Salad is all about attention to detail. These expert tips will help you elevate your Kisir from good to unforgettable:

  1. Choose the Right Bulgur: Always use peeled, cracked coarse bulgur (#3) for this recipe. Avoid using whole or unpeeled bulgur, as their cooking instructions and resulting texture are significantly different. If you only have fine or medium bulgur, adjust the cooking time by simply soaking it in hot water instead of boiling, and ensure you follow the package directions.
  2. Precise Bulgur Cooking: Do not overcook your bulgur. Overcooked bulgur can become soggy and lose its desirable chewy texture, making your salad less enjoyable. The key is for the grains to be tender yet still distinct. After cooking, fluff it gently with a fork and allow it to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
  3. Embrace Fresh, Ripe Ingredients: The success of Kisir heavily relies on the quality of its fresh components. Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers. Fresh herbs, particularly a generous amount of fresh parsley and mint, are absolutely essential for the vibrant, aromatic taste of authentic Kisir. Do not skimp on them!
  4. Balance the Dressing Flavors: The dressing is the soul of Kisir. Taste and adjust the seasoning meticulously. A little more lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while a dash more pomegranate molasses can enhance the sweet-sour complexity. Don’t be afraid to tweak the salt and pepper to your preference. The balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet is what makes Kisir so addictive.
  5. Finely Chop Your Vegetables: For optimal texture and flavor distribution, ensure all vegetables are finely and uniformly chopped. This allows them to blend seamlessly with the bulgur and dressing, ensuring a balanced bite every time.
  6. Allow Flavors to Meld: While Kisir can be enjoyed immediately, its flavors truly deepen and harmonize after resting. For best results, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours. This gives the bulgur ample time to absorb all the delicious nuances of the dressing and herbs.
  7. Consider Serving Temperature: Kisir is typically served at room temperature or chilled. Serving it slightly cool enhances its refreshing quality, especially during warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kisir Salad

Can I make Kisir Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Kisir Salad is an excellent dish for meal prepping. You can prepare it a day in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, many find that the flavors deepen and improve overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

Is Kisir Salad gluten-free?

Traditional Kisir Salad, made with bulgur wheat, is not gluten-free as bulgur is a wheat product. However, you can easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free by substituting bulgur with cooked quinoa, buckwheat, or even brown rice. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if catering to strict dietary needs.

How long does Kisir Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Kisir Salad will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. It’s a fantastic option for packed lunches or quick, healthy meals throughout the week.

Can I add protein to Kisir Salad?

Yes, adding protein is a great way to make Kisir a more substantial and fulfilling main meal. Cooked chickpeas, black beans, or lentils are excellent plant-based options. For non-vegetarian additions, consider grilled chicken, thinly sliced beef, or crumbled feta cheese. These additions complement the fresh flavors beautifully.

What can I use instead of pomegranate molasses?

Pomegranate molasses provides a unique sweet and sour tang that is central to authentic Kisir flavor. If you cannot find it, a good substitute can be a balsamic glaze (which offers a similar depth and sweetness) or a mixture of lemon juice and a touch of honey or date syrup. If omitting entirely, you might need to increase the lemon juice slightly to maintain the necessary tanginess.

Do you serve it warm or cold?

Kisir Salad is most commonly served either at room temperature or chilled. While you can enjoy it slightly warm immediately after preparation, most people prefer it cool, especially as a refreshing dish during warmer weather. Chilling allows the flavors to fully meld and provides a wonderfully crisp and invigorating experience.

Delightful Pairings: What to Serve with Kisir Salad

Turkish Bulgur Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Its fresh, vibrant flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern meals, or it can stand proudly as a main course on its own. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your culinary experience:

  • Grilled Meats: The refreshing and tangy notes of Kisir provide a perfect contrast to rich, savory grilled dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with:
    • Grilled Chicken Drumsticks or breast.
    • Mediterranean Lamb Chops or kebabs.
    • Grilled Beef Kofta or any spiced ground meat skewers.
    • Grilled fish or shrimp for a lighter option.
  • Fresh Breads: Scoop up every last bit of Kisir with warm, fluffy bread.
    • Freshly baked pita bread.
    • Crusty artisan bread or a simple flatbread.
  • Creamy Dips and Spreads: Enhance your Mediterranean feast with complementary dips:
    • Smooth and savory Hummus.
    • Smoky Baba Ganoush.
    • Cool and refreshing tzatziki or a simple yogurt dip.
  • Vegetarian Sides: For a more extensive vegetarian spread, combine Kisir with other fresh salads or vegetable dishes.
    • Stuffed grape leaves (dolma).
    • Grilled halloumi cheese.
    • A simple green salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
  • As a Mezze Platter Component: Kisir is an indispensable part of a traditional Turkish or Mediterranean mezze (appetizer) platter, offering a burst of freshness among various small dishes.
Bowl of vibrant Turkish Kisir Salad, garnished with tomatoes, olives, and radish, beautifully lit and ready to be enjoyed.

Explore More Mediterranean Salad Recipes

If you love the fresh, wholesome flavors of Kisir, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy these other vibrant Mediterranean salad creations:

  • Zesty Greek Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe
  • Easy Greek White Bean Salad
  • Healthy Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Our Turkish Kisir Salad recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to experience the rich culinary heritage of Turkey. Its vibrant flavors, effortless preparation, and significant nutritional benefits make it a beloved choice among food enthusiasts and a perfect addition to any meal rotation. We encourage you to try this recipe today and savor the refreshing, authentic taste of Turkish cuisine in your own home!

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Bowl of Turkish Kisir Salad garnished with fresh tomatoes, black olives, and thinly sliced radish, beautifully presented for serving.
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Turkish Bulgur Salad

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

This Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kisir) is a delicious and refreshing salad made with cooked bulgur wheat, and then mixed with a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy, savory dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Cooling time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 1 cup coarse wheat bulgur, cracked and peeled (yields 2 cups cooked)
  • 1½ cups boiling water
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsps. roasted red pepper paste
  • 1 tbsp water, to add to the sauce
  • 3 tbsps. olive oil
  • 1 cup cucumber, petite diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, petite diced
  • ½ cup green onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsps fresh mint, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup red onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsps. Jalapeño Pepper, finely diced (OPTIONAL, for spicy preference)

For the Dressing:

  • 1 tsp. cumin powder
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tbps. pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsps. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. Salt, or more to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Bulgur Preparation:

  1. Rinse the bulgur well under cold running water until the water is clear, then drain completely.
  2. In a pot, bring 1.5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the rinsed bulgur and stir. Allow it to come back to a boil.
  3. Once the bulgur starts boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed (cooking times vary by brand).
  4. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and take off the lid. Fluff the bulgur using a fork and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Salad Assembly:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Wash and finely chop all the fresh vegetables and herbs (cucumber, red bell pepper, green onion, parsley, mint, red onion, and optional jalapeño). Set aside.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a shallow pan over medium-low heat. Add the tomato paste and red pepper paste. Let this paste mixture simmer gently on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in one tablespoon of water to create a smoother sauce.
  4. Add the cooled, cooked bulgur to the sauce in the pan. Mix everything together thoroughly until the bulgur is well coated with the vibrant paste. Allow this mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the flavored bulgur and all the chopped vegetables and herbs. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and mix well to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust salt and other seasonings as needed.
  6. Serve the Kisir Salad at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, lettuce, olives, fresh tomatoes, chopped radish, or onions. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of protein.

Video

For a visual guide on preparing this delicious Turkish Bulgur Salad, watch the video below:

Notes

  • Bulgur Selection and Cooking: Always use peeled, cracked coarse bulgur for the best results in Kisir. If you opt for a different type, follow the specific cooking instructions provided on its packaging to avoid over or undercooking.
  • Freshness is Key: The vibrant taste of Kisir Salad largely depends on the freshness of its ingredients. Prioritize using fresh, ripe vegetables and a generous amount of fresh herbs like parsley and mint for their aromatic impact.
  • Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the preparation process. A touch more lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, or salt can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of your salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Sodium: 625mg | Potassium: 587mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1752IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3mg