Not in any particular order but here are 5 plants I would suggest to a first time grower.
Note: I encourage you to grow something you would like to eat.
Strawberries
Pro: A great source of Vitamin C and some would argue indirectly reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Con: First year fruits are very small and not sweet. The strawberry plant has to become comfortable in its environment to produce good fruit.
Uses: Can be eaten raw, just wash and enjoy. Taste great in salads, and baked desserts.
Tomatoes
Pro: Come in Heirloom and Hybrid forms. Heirloom simply means the plant was pollinated naturally by bees or wind. Hybrid means the tomato was created in a field or lab. This should be clearly marked on your seed packet. Hybrids typically have the "F1" abbreviation.
Con: Heirlooms may produce less fruit and are climate sensitive. Hybrids have always had an issue with flavor and typically come from biotech firms like Monsanto or Syngenta.
Uses: Great in salads, making sauces and bring sandwiches to life :)
Cucumbers
Pro: Natural beauty product, great for reducing puffiness around your eyes or tightening cellulite.
Con: This plant is what many refer to as a runner because it grows very wide and takes up about 6-8 feet in diameter.
Uses: Great source of Vitamin C, can be rubbed on the skin as a beauty treatment
Lettuce
Pro: High in fiber and water content making it a great tool for anyone trying to lose weight.
Con: Lettuces mature relatively quickly, meaning frequent harvesting is required to avoid bolting.
Uses: Base for your salad or green juice
Herbs
Pro: Most herbs only need 4-5 hours of sunlight. Making them very suitable for indoor growing. Just place them by a west-facing window and cut off what you need.
Con: Herbs have short life cycles indoors. However if grown outdoors, herbs will take over garden space if they are not pruned regularly.
Uses: Garnishes in salads and drinks