Crudites with Savory Cheese Dip

Crudites:
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
4 medium celery ribs, cut into sticks
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
2 small zucchini, cut into diagonal slices
1 bunch radishes, cleaned, trimmed, and cut in half
1 10-ounce bag cocktail cherry tomatoes, rinsed
1 medium cucumber, cut into sticks or slices

Savory Cheese Dip:
3 cups 1 percent low-fat cottage cheese
3 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 scallions, white part plus 2 inches green, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
3/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions:
Prepare the vegetables. Pack like vegetables in self-sealing plastic bags. Add a few ice cubes and seal. Refrigerate until ready to assemble on a large decorative tray, leaving room for the bowl of dip in the center.

For the dip: Place all dip ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth using on/off pulses and scraping down the bowl once or twice. Transfer dip to a serving bowl; refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve, place the dip in the center of the vegetables. Serve at once. (If it's quite hot, place a few ice cubes over the vegetables to keep them cool and crisp.)

Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 28
Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 2mg
Sodium: 130mg