Arugula has a slightly peppery flavor that brings a new dimension to the classic basil pesto. The freshness of arugula also makes it a great addition to pasta dishes, salads and pizzas. It is a very popular green in Italian cuisine and is used to add color, texture and a peppery flavor to many dishes. Basil pesto is the most popular version of pesto. In fact, it is one of the most popular sauces in the world. There are many variations of basil pesto, but they all use the same basic ingredients.