Acini Di Pepe pasta (affiliate link) or one of the substitutes mentioned above. You’ll begin by cooking the celery and shallots until soft. Then, add the Parmesan rind, thyme, salt, chicken broth, and water. Boil for 10 minutes, then add the pasta to cook 8-10 minutes until it plumps up and the broth is thickened.
Soak the acini de pepe in the fruit juice for an hour before adding the rest of the ingredients for a softer salad. Use whipped topping instead of cool whip for a lighter dish. Add in a can of fruit cocktail or drained maraschino cherries for extra sweetness and texture.
Although they’re often used interchangeably, some pasta makers differentiate them, saying that pastina is smaller than acini di pepe. However, like orzo, pastina is a fine substitute. What Can You Substitute for Acini de Pepe?
For a tangier flavor, use lemon juice instead of pineapple juice. Mix in some mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for extra sweetness and crunch. Soak the acini de pepe in the fruit juice for an hour before adding the rest of the ingredients for a softer salad. Use whipped topping instead of cool whip for a lighter dish.