@Cindy, Why are you hijacking’s someone else’s recipe? Rude.

There’s a distinct texture difference once fully heated and cooked through – the potatoes finish breaking down into a smooth texture. It could be different from brand to brand. And as a rule, when it comes to certain items from the grocery store that are meant to be heated, I heat them to a safe temperature for food safety’s sake. This isn’t a chunky potato salad; it’s meant to be smooth and creamy, but of course, you can tweak to your preferences!

Great question! I can only speak to the brands I’ve used, but the potatoes right out of the package have a too-tough texture. In my view, they’re slightly undercooked so as to not overcook when heating to use as hot mashed potatoes.

Plus, I prefer to bring certain foods, like potatoes with dairy, up to a safe temperature before consuming when I don’t know what has happened with that package prior to being in my hands.

I liked the potato salad. Very easy. Did not have celery so used celery salt. Had to be careful or it would be too salty. To make up for the celery I used a pinch of paprika to add flavor. Got dry and had to add more Miracle Whip