If you are craving a unique and charming appetizer that dazzles with its simplicity and flavor, the Saucisson de Thon Sans Cuisson Recipe is the perfect choice. This no-cook tuna “sausage” is creamy, herbaceous, and incredibly easy to prepare, combining tender canned tuna with the rich texture of hard-boiled eggs and a hint of sharpness from mustard and shallots. It’s a classic French-inspired delight that looks impressive on any table yet takes mere minutes to assemble. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers an elegant and satisfying dish without turning on the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully to create a flavorful, creamy, and colorful dish. Each one has a special role, whether it’s adding creaminess, freshness, or a subtle zing that lifts all the flavors.
- 1 boîte de thon au naturel (140 g égoutté): The star of the dish, providing protein and a mild seafood flavor that’s perfect for this recipe.
- 2 œufs durs: Hard-boiled eggs add a rich, creamy texture and help bind the mixture together.
- 3 cuillères à soupe de mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and a tangy depth that melds all ingredients.
- 1 cuillère à café de moutarde: Offers a subtle, spicy kick to brighten the overall taste.
- 1 petite échalote: Adds a delicate sharpness and crunch to contrast with the smoothness.
- 1 cuillère à soupe de persil haché: Fresh parsley brings vibrant green flecks and a hint of earthiness.
- Sel et poivre: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Film alimentaire pour le façonnage: Plastic wrap to shape the mixture perfectly into the characteristic “saucisson” form.
How to Make Saucisson de Thon Sans Cuisson Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Base
Begin by draining the tuna thoroughly so there’s no excess liquid, then transfer it into a mixing bowl. Break up the tuna with a fork until it’s crumbly and ready to mingle with the other ingredients. This base is what gives the saucisson its subtle seafood flavor and flaky texture.
Step 2: Chop the Eggs and Shallots
Peel the hard-boiled eggs and finely chop them into small pieces, ensuring they distribute evenly throughout the mixture. Then, finely mince the shallot to add just the right sharp bite that complements the creamy elements.
Step 3: Combine to Create the Mixture
Add the mayonnaise, mustard, chopped shallots, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the tuna and eggs. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until you achieve a homogeneous mixture that glistens with the mayonnaise and is studded with flecks of green and white.
Step 4: Shape the Saucisson
Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and spoon the mixture onto it. Using the wrap, mold the mixture tightly into a sausage shape, squeezing out any air pockets. Twist the ends of the wrap to secure the form, then refrigerate for at least a couple of hours. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and firms up the texture, making slicing easier and the presentation neater.
How to Serve Saucisson de Thon Sans Cuisson Recipe

Garnishes
Serve your saucisson garnished with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or chives for an inviting pop of color and an herbaceous aroma. A few thin slices of cornichons (small pickles) alongside also add an irresistible tangy crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, crisp accompaniments like toasted baguette slices, crackers, or a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The contrasts between creamy, crunchy, and fresh textures keep your palate intrigued and wanting more.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, slice the saucisson into medallions and arrange them on a platter with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, creating a Mediterranean-inspired spread perfect for gatherings. You can also pipe the mixture into small molds for elegant canapé servings or roll it in finely chopped nuts or herbs before chilling for an extra textural surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Saucisson de Thon Sans Cuisson Recipe should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will keep well for up to two days, maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the delicate texture of the mayonnaise and eggs might change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap tightly and consume within one month for the best results. Thaw slowly in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This saucisson is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary and not recommended. Warming it could alter the texture and flavors in an undesirable way.
FAQs
Can I use tuna in oil instead of tuna in water?
Yes, you can substitute tuna in oil if you prefer a richer flavor, but be sure to drain well to avoid making the mixture too oily.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this recipe, you would need to replace the tuna and eggs with plant-based alternatives like mashed chickpeas or crumbled tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise. It’s a fun experiment but will yield a different flavor profile.
How long should I chill the saucisson before serving?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is ideal, but overnight chilling will allow the flavors to marry even better and make the saucisson firmer and easier to slice.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with dill, tarragon, or even a touch of paprika to make the dish uniquely yours while keeping the essence of the traditional recipe.
What is the best way to slice the saucisson?
Use a sharp knife and slice gently into thin rounds to show off the pretty specks of egg and parsley, and to make the best bites for serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Saucisson de Thon Sans Cuisson Recipe — it’s an effortless, no-fuss classic that still feels fancy and fresh. Whether you’re preparing an elegant hors d’oeuvre or a light snack, this dish is sure to become one of your cherished favorites. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
PrintSaucisson de Thon Sans Cuisson Recipe
Saucisson de Thon Sans Cuisson is a no-cook, French-inspired tuna ‘sausage’ recipe combining canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and fresh seasonings. This easy, savory spreadable dish is perfect as an appetizer or snack, shaped traditionally like a sausage but requires no baking or frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling eggs)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 boîte de thon au naturel (140 g égoutté) (1 can of natural tuna, drained, 140g)
- 2 œufs durs (2 hard-boiled eggs)
- 3 cuillères à soupe de mayonnaise (3 tablespoons mayonnaise)
- 1 cuillère à café de moutarde (1 teaspoon mustard)
- 1 petite échalote (1 small shallot)
- 1 cuillère à soupe de persil haché (1 tablespoon chopped parsley)
- Sel et poivre (Salt and pepper to taste)
- Film alimentaire pour le façonnage (Cling film/plastic wrap for shaping)
Instructions
- Drain and crumble tuna: Égouttez le thon et émiettez-le dans un saladier. Drain the canned tuna thoroughly and crumble it into a mixing bowl to form a flaky base.
- Prepare eggs and shallot: Écalez et hachez les œufs durs. Émincez finement l’échalote. Peel and finely chop the hard-boiled eggs, and finely mince the small shallot to add flavor and texture.
- Mix all ingredients: Ajoutez la mayonnaise, la moutarde, l’échalote, le persil, du sel et du poivre. Mélangez bien pour obtenir une préparation homogène. Add mayonnaise, mustard, chopped shallot, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Shape the sausage: Déposez la préparation sur un grand morceau de film alimentaire et façonnez un boudin en serrant bien pour donner la forme d’un saucisson. Lay the mixture on a large piece of cling film and shape tightly into a log resembling a sausage, ensuring it holds firm.
Notes
- This dish is best chilled for a couple of hours to firm up and let flavors meld before serving.
- Serve sliced with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables as an appetizer.
- You can adjust seasoning to taste, adding more mustard or herbs if desired.
- Ensure the tuna is well-drained to avoid excess moisture affecting the shape.
- This recipe requires no cooking beyond boiling eggs and is quick to assemble.