A hybrid turbine blade and method of fabrication, comprising a shank portion and an airfoil portion. The airfoil portion comprising a composite outer structure having a recess formed therein and an alternating stack of at least one composite section and at least two insert sections disposed in the recess. The outer composite structure and the at least one composite section having a first density. The at least two insert sections having a second mass density, which is less than the first mass density. The composite outer structure and the alternating stack of at least one composite section and at least two insert sections together define an airfoil portion that meets all mechanical load carrying requirements of said hybrid turbine blade such that no load transfer needs to occur through said at least two insert sections.