Yea, I agree. Healthy fats don't make you fat, carbs do.
I like to use things
local to my region. I use butter for pretty much everything (live in WI) .But, if you are allergic to certain things in
dairy I'd use lard, tallow, duck fat, or bacon drippings.
I too have trouble with vinegar, it gives me heartburn. Unfortunately, I have no advice in regards to salads because I tend to avoid them.