Thai Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Vinaigrette

Name: Thai Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Vinaigrette
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 as main course, 4 as side salad
Ingredients: For the Salad:; 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); For the Dressing:; 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)