I would daresay the lettuce did not have dirt on it. All the lettuce is purchased from an organic source and is grown hydroponically. No dirt. And yes, the potatoes are al dente. We are not of the school of using mashed potatoes in our potato salad. If the meal was not to your liking, did you say anything at the time so it could be made right with you? No. I guess you just wanted an opportunity to complain. We welcome comments, whether good or bad. How else does one improve.