Creating Berry Cheesecake Salad is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream (or whipped topping) into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; it adds necessary fluffiness.
3. Prepare the Berries: Rinse the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries under cold water. Slice the strawberries and leave the blueberries and raspberries whole.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese mixture with all the prepared berries. Gently fold them together to ensure even distribution without breaking the berries.
5. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Serve with Granola (Optional): If desired, add granola just before serving for a delightful crunch, or keep it separate for a topping option.

These straightforward steps will help you create a Berry Cheesecake Salad that will become a staple in your dessert repertoire!