[RunDownHouse]

Scallions. They go great in a huge variety of dishes and are very quick and easy to prepare.

The same goes for mushrooms, although they're much more common. You can get a pack of presliced button mushrooms for about $1. They go great with tons of different things because they're flavor sponges. I really wish I could get good tofu here in Nashville for the same reason: it soaks up flavor and you can dictate your texture.

So if I was to combine my suggestions, I'd go with a caesar salad with mushrooms sauteed with scallions in garlic-infused olive oil and extra-firm tofu. If soy isn't your bag, skip the tofu for the more standard croutons.