JD,
Consider just one tomato plant (okay maybe two of different varieties if one does). Do a container planting. I bet you will enjoy watching those tomatoes grow.
Caprese salad is super simple. I bet your store has a sliced mozzarella roll, and basil. Making a caprese salad is about as easy as eating a pancake. Hardest part of making a caprese salad is picking out the tomatoes from the store.
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are basic/simple ingredients. Olive oil has been used for over 1,000 years. The oil not vinegar gets old, long shelf life.
I wish you lived next door to me. You would be getting a plated dinner of different varieties on a regular basis.