In article >,
"Cate" > wrote:
> But my main request is that I'm looking for a meatless pasta or rice salad
> (ie., cold) recipe that's not the standard macaroni primavera and mayo-based
> dressing. Something that can hold up unrefrigerated for three hours is
> required. Any combo of chewy, crunchy, tangy, sweet, spicy is even better.
> And anything that cuts down my cooking time would be great too.

I don't know if this one counts as "cutting down on cooking time", but
I've several times made a smoked cous cous salad.

- rehydrate large or "Israeli" cous cous in hot water until soft

- place in disposable pan, and into cold smoker (I use a Weber with a
small fire on one side to which I add wood chunks or chips) for about 30
minutes, stir once or twice to ensure even smoke (can be done ahead and
fridged)

- make a simple lime and oil vinegrette with a bit of red pepper

- toss cous cous in vinegrette along with:
- thin sliced red onions
- small diced carrots
- small diced cucumbers
- nuts of some kind (I typically use cashews)

Keeps well at room temperature. Has large make-ahead components. Is
unusual for most vegetarians because smoked items are often uncommon for
them.