Thai Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Vinaigrette - Once Upon a Chef

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (or pre-washed)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized strips
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 English cucumber, seeded and diced
• 2 scallions, white and green parts, finely sliced
• ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped mint or basil (optional)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, from 3-4 limes
• 2½ teaspoons Asian fish sauce
• 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (use less if you don't like heat)