I don`t actually use canned goods at all. But this salad is a legacy of my mother-in-law and I make it exactly the way she always made it. My husband and children love him. You can certainly make it a little more culinary and use fresh mushrooms and fresh asparagus, but I think it loses its 70s retro charm.
In principle everything is just mixed up. I always start with the whip, stir the mandarin juice underneath. It is important to use a lot of the mandarin juice and also add a little lemon juice. Salt, pepper. The salad should be slightly soupy, it still pulls.
Be sure to season again before serving. Possibly add a little lemon juice and a little honey.
Instead of ham, you can also use meat sausage. Hard-boiled eggs can be added, I prefer it without.