- 1 1/2 cups dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups firmly packed spinach, washed, drained, and stems removed
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, such as kalamata or niçoise
- Italian Vinaigrette
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- To quick-soak the beans: Place the beans in a large pot with water to cover by 3 inches and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain, and rinse.
- To cook the beans: Place the beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover by 3 to 4 inches. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until beans are tender but still firm. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. Set aside to cool.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook and stir until slightly brown, about 5 minutes.
- Toss the beans, onion, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives in a large bowl with the vinaigrette until just combined. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use or up to 1 day. If refrigerating, add the spinach just before serving.