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 to 4 limes)
• 2½ teaspoons Asian fish sauce
• 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ((or less if you don't like heat))