I find it's a good substitute for couscous, particularly as it absorbs the tastes of dressings so well (I use rice a LOT in cooking, East Asian and Southern European styles, but don't much like using rice in salads)

Try a fish sauce based dressing like nuoc nam pha (fish sauce, lime juice, sugar & water) or a light ponzu, or go the middle eastern route with Harissa and pickled lemons.