Sliced Prickly Dona Maria Nopalitos Pear cactus shoots, cooked. Sliced Cactus Pads.NOPALITOS OR NOPALESNopalitos - Cactus, or Nopal, is a typical sight in the Mexican landscape. It is not strange that it should find its way into the local cuisine. The use of Nopalitos has its origins in the Roman Catholic observance of serving meatless dishes during Lent; now they are a part of everyday cooking.